The Tale of Sentry

by JusSonic

Chapter 5: Friends Forever

Chapter 5: Friends Forever

Pinkamena is reading and says, "Man, Flash's story is intense but it's just a story of his past after all."

The others nod.

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Blazefist finishes telling the hidden part of the story. The ponies not knowing went silent, all are amazed. So that's what happened.

Rainbow pauses then spoke up, "Wow......... That's......AWESOME!"

"You said it, Rainbow Dash! That's the coolest thing I ever heard of." Scootaloo said in agreement.

"Yup; Ben actually wants to get out from his shell to tell Twilight about his friend and being son of Princess Celestia." Sweetie giggles a bit, making Ben blush a bit at this.

Rarity smiled, saying with a happy sigh, "Such heroic and romantic, Ben, when you were young."

"Eeyup; If 'dat happen, Boris is gonna regret o' 'dat." Apple Bloom remarks in agreement.

"Yew said it. But if somepony hadn't tried 'ta erase o' what Ben's trying 'ta do," Applejack said, glaring at Laxtinct; If Ben's memories were kept, at least most of the pain that Twilight went through wouldn't have happen at all.

"Hey! This pony got a lot of pressure!" Laxtinct protests to Applejack, defending what he did so to speak. "Not to mention, Bladestrike is a very fierce general. And I really hate getting on his bad side. The last time I tried to do something important, he lost his Mystic Phoenix Temper right at me!"

Twilight giggled, "Applejack, it’s okay. Even so, it never changed my love for Ben." The Alicorn assures Applejack that even Ben's, Flash's, Twilight's and Sunset's memory of that time was gone, at least Twilight's love for Ben remains.

Ben smiled, nuzzling Twilight while saying, "Thanks."

"Wow. Daddy actually stood up against two Dark Mystic Ponies? That's great." Nyx said with glee. She wishes that she herself was there to see that happened.

"You said it. That could have shown Boris of who's the real boss if someone hadn't done a stupid thing in the first place." Spike remarks, making Laxtinct annoyed. Why must certain ponies get on his case about that?!

Laxtinct groaned, "Hey! Get off my flank!"

"Even so.......Ben's still the best warrior." Flash said, impressed by Ben's performance even if the two friends don't even remember it happened.

"You know what surprise me? Sunset Shimmer is actually a nice pony. She actually had met Ben and Twilight from the beginning. She sounded like a real kind and caring pony." Fluttershy said with a smile. Sunset sounds like she would've been a nice friend...if it wasn't for the memory loss and/or the Superior's manipulation.

Flash sighed, "She was......." The Pegasus misses Sunset so much. He wonders if she would be all right in the alternative human world.

"Until today, she's one big meanie to everyone, especially her own special somepony." Pinkie said with a shrug.

"Pinkie Pie," Ben scolds Pinkie for saying that about Sunset.

"What, it's true! If Laxtinct hadn't erased her memory, she and Twilight would have become BFF. And maybe throughout the four seasons, she would have become a member of the Mane Seven while making Flash as a member of Stallion Seven, along with Ben, Caramel, Lord Eric, Dexter and my future boyfriend, Brian. That would have makes us the best team ever in the future."

The ponies look confused. What did Caramel has to do with this? And who's Lord Eric, Dexter and Brian? Pinkie is more random than ever!

Laxtinct groaned, "And again, stop accusing me! I told you I've been pressured A LOT! I don't know why many ponies keep on pressuring me!" He turned to the screen, "Especially you! I know you're watching Mr. Powermaster! I want some answer! Is it because of my character based on Bolin who is lousy, worthless and problematic since Book 2: Change! Seriously! I don't even like that attitude of his! I'd rather stick with the old Bolin from Book 1: Air and especially Mako and Korra's relationship would have become better than worst in Book 2!"

Everyone looked awkward at the two random ponies. Aquastroke and Rainbow spoke at the same time: You are so random.

"Still the Equestria Ponies got a point. Let's say, Ben, Flash, Sunset and Twilight never had their memories erased. They would have great excitement and adventure together, right here and now. Sunset would have learned the best in making with friends, like Twilight did. And not to mention, the Superior would be big surprised to know that could have been Seven Elements." Blazefist add, making the Equestrian ponies startled.

"There's a seventh?! And I don't mean Ben's Triforce!" Pinkie demands to Blazefist in bewilderment.

Blazefist groaned, "No! I'm just giving thoughts of it."

Twilight thought for the moment then she spoke, "Blazefist's right. If that really happen, Sunset would never have been upset and despair for her whole life in the first place; Right, everyone?"

"Right," Everyone said in agreement.

"So what happened next?" Phobos asks curiously. "Let me guess, your meeting with Hoboken Joe?"

"Bingo . Then I met my third friend." Ben said with a smile as the story continues.

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The scene opens up in the hallway sometime later, where Ben Mare was walking alone carrying his bag. He was off to another of his classes, when...somepony stuck a hoof out and made him trip and fall on his front.

"Hay Benny; how was your trip?" Boris cruelly remark to the guy.

"Yeah, did you have a nice fall?" Boxco remarked off to say.

"Yeah, it was funny than a surprise can of bumps!" Dum Dum pointed out to say this.

"That's can of worms, you dolt!" Boris snapped to scold the idiot for not saying that sentence right.

"Boris, why do you guys always do this same routine?" Ben asked off annoyed to be going through this.

"Well, you can't say that was intentional, you just happened to pass over without knowing I stick my hoof out?" Boris shrugs off to give his excuse here. "But I digress; you're about the second Earth filth I like to toy around at times." He made a sly smirk in stating this matter on messing with Ben here.

"Second?" Ben responded confused, who was Boris's first victim of being picked on?

"Right, the other pony is Hoboken Joe." Boxco stated in recalling who the other pony they make fun of is.

"That janitor guy right over there," Dum Dum stated to point off where the other pony is.

True to words, there was an Earth stallion in his 20s to 30s with brown coat, gray short mane & long tail, plus a little side burns of his in-grown beard, & blue eyes. He seemed to be wearing cloths most matching that of a hobo; even his Cutie Mark was a cross between an apple & some cleaning & workmen equipment. The guy was just working on the floor by mopping. He was clearly a janitor for the school that the fillies & colts are attending to.

"While he maybe an adult, we still get a few good laughs from the fool!" Boris makes a wise crack in how they like to tease this janitor.

"Hay, you shouldn't be mean to him, it's bad enough how much I feel hurt when you keep picking on me!" Ben protest in seeing Boris was being mean to someone else right before his eyes.

"Wow, you sure grew a conscience." Boxco responded stump to hear that from Ben.

"Yeah, he actually cares for a janitor." Dum Dum responded in finding this hard to believe.

"Maybe you both belong together; you both are dirt and try to clean it for us upper class ponies." Boris remarked off in saying Ben is like the janitor, they are both in the job of dirt & make things clean for the higher class of ponies.

As these bullies were laughing & Ben was feeling a little upset by this act...it was soon cut off.

"'Scuse me fellas," A voice interrupts the colts in being the janitor, Hoboken Joe with an accent of a Red-Neck in getting their attention. "But did any of you's leave this somewhere?" He showed to the colts’ eyes, a pretty blue gem stone, sparkling so...beautifully. "I found this here priceless gem stone in the middle of my mopping floors, & saw you all to think…does it belong to yah?" He was asking if anypony was the owner of this priceless gem.

"Actually, it's not..." Ben was cut from saying that it wasn't theirs by the bullies.

"Mine!" Dum Dum shouted to stand as the owner.

"No, mine," Boxco pushed his pal over to make claim of the gem.

"Dolts, you clearly forgotten, I lost that, so it's mine!" Boris snapped to lie to his goons that wherever this gem came from, he'll take claims of it. "Thanks for returning this to me; I'll take it from here." He snatched the gem from Hoboken without any resistance.

And without a word, Boris left with his 'so-called' gem while his goons followed leaving only Ben with the janitor as if they were ghost that were not even cared about by the snobby unicorn colt.

"Sir, they were lying, it wasn't theirs to begin with." Ben tried to let this stallion know that he was tricked by Boris' lie.

"Oh I know that, but they don't." Hoboken Joe made a sly smile in stating that he knew about the lie, but kept it from Boris's group.

"Hugh?" Ben responded puzzled, what did this guy mean?

"You see, that was a Fool's Gem, they may look & seem like they are real. But watch." Hoboken explained while having another gem just like what Boris took, but... "Crack,” He broke it in two, and the instead showed the minerals of a rock. "They're false from the inside even Dragons throw those things up like bad tastes in their mouths." He explained the matter that even Dragons don't like the taste of Fool's Gem, they don't taste right ‘cause they aren't the quality real stuff.

"Wow!" Ben responded amazed to learn of such a thing.

"So you must be the Earth pony, Ben, the colt with a last name of Mare and shaved him something silly on appearance. Hehe," Hoboken Joe turned his attention to Ben, knowing a little about this colt from being an Earth pony & then some.

Ben seem hesitated to respond from both his last name was funny plus about the recent razor situation he had that made him a laughing stock in class.

"Oh now don't feel sad, I'm laughing at myself than at you. Your name is probably better than what I usually go by as a nickname." Hoboken spoke in trying to cheer Ben up that he wasn't laughing at the colt, but in pointing at himself instead.

"Really, what's that?" Ben's curious eyes glued to the janitor, what was worse than being labeled a mare that Hoboken got a nickname that was much different?

"Hobo Joe, that's what a couple of snob stallions call me." Hoboken responded that from his look, rich ponies see him as a hobo on the street. "I work as a volunteer for the task 'too' dirty to get clean themselves and cause I'm expendable since I don't live in any homes other than in the gutter alleys." Hoboken explained about his situation, job life and where he's living.

"Whah...that's horrible!" Ben responded in utter disbelief, a nice stallion was living out on the streets without a home & nobody was caring to help. "If you have such a problem, why are you working & letting those colts make fun of you?" He asked off in why this pony has to live life so harshly.

"’Cause it doesn't matter," Hoboken responded, much to Ben's confusion. "I live my own policy! Ever hear of 'Sticks & Stones, may Bust my Bones, but Words will Never hurt me' nursery rhyme?" He stated in explaining something to the young colt here.

"Can't say I have," Ben shrugs off his shoulders in never coming across that nursery rhyme till now.

"It means that no matter what folks do to you, you shouldn't let what they say badly about yah get to you." Hoboken exclaimed the meaning behind the nursery rhyme itself. "Heck, I've lived through worst & I always look for the positive things in life just ahead of me." He stated that even through terrible situations, he has to overcome them. "After all, some folks are lucky while some ain't, but do I let that stop me? Nope! I just gotta keep my faith & look for a brighter future." From the sounds of it, this janitor was very tough to make a stand.

"Wow; that is something else." Ben responded in feeling so 'awe' by a janitor Earth pony's words.

"Yep, but tell me, word I hear around here...is you's got a filly interested in you. Am I right?" Hoboken nods while giving a smile in now asking something of Ben with Twilight Sparkle now.

"Well...yeah...and we are good friends. But..." Ben nods nervously in agreeing to that term and he was about to mention something else, however...

"Shoot, but nothing, if she be that special of a pony, then you's got to not let technical things get in your way. Now take a look at me and what do you see?" Hoboken knows that Ben was nervous about admitting about being in love & if he wants to keep it, so this guy wants to have the colt describe him suddenly.

"Um..." Ben looked to Hoboken Joe, but to say what he thinks would be rude, however...

"Be honest, a hobo janitor, no need to feel like hurting my feelings." Hoboken cut Ben off in seeing the nice colt didn't wanna hurt his feelings. "But let me tell you something, what would you say that I got me special pony too and she's WAY outta my league?" He stated about having a pony that's very dear to him too, and was someone that he has no chance getting.

"Who's that?" Ben asked in being curious about now.

"You know that art teacher unicorn with the cheery coat & orange mane with the pretty lemon yellow eyes? Also got that Cutie Mark of a board with a paintbrush making paint globs." Hoboken explained off to describe the mare that Ben was sure to know.

"Miss Mona Crafts?" Ben responded in knowing instantly who the janitor was referring to. "Our fun art teacher who's love for art & creativity is noted by Canterlot?" Ben knows that the mare is very popular, even in Canterlot, is that who Hoboken was stating in his explain; really?

"Yep, what you say if when I cleaned up something that somepony labeled as 'junk' and wanted me to throw away? But instead, I kept it ‘ause I thought it was a swell piece of work that some little pony made." Hoboken responded off before telling a story about what happened one eventful day. "But when I come to the class for the daily round, I find Miss Mono depressed, the room a mess, saying she lost something darn important to her that a colleague threw away!" The janitor pony exclaimed the stuff that was sounding very exciting to hear.

"Wha…what happened?" Ben asked with suspense, whatever did this guy do?

"Well I showed the object and she jumped for joy, cause that there was her first artwork as a filly! She treasured it ‘cause her folks said it was her best work that she ever did made. And used it for inspiration for teaching other ponies of young age," Hoboken explained with a smile in what happened there afterwards. "I told her that I found it stunning & believed nothing 'that' good belongs in the trash, but within today, not a lot of other fellas see that. And then...a spark happened." He stated that last part off about a 'spark' moment that occurred.

"Really," Ben asked with curiosity, what did this mean, did his teacher & janitor...fall in love?

"Yep, she's always watched how I've been mistreated all the time at work or outside, & no matter the deed, I never let it wound me. It was something she felt...connected, and shoot, guess I felt the same." Hoboken explained off about his situation and how Mona Crafts felt something for him. "And she's even thinking to help give me a better life than being the gutter in Canterlot and not some low class Earth pony. Why heck, she wouldn't care about being married to somepony like me or how others think, love is not something that comes with appearance, but from the gut." From what he said in this part, it sounds like nopony in Canterlot would stop a big celeb from marrying someone with no class at all.

"Woah; that's all amazing," Ben responded with a smile; that was an amazing story to hear.

"So the lesson in my story is this; don't be afraid of what others think and keep trying to get by & then something good will come your way. Heck, even love isn't impossible." Hoboken Joe smiled in seeing that with Ben, he needs to know that nothing should stop him, not even be stopped from falling in love.

"Gee mister Hoboken, that's some helpful advice, I wish I could help you." Ben responded in being thankful and now he wished to help Hoboken Joe not be such a pushover guy by other bullies around here.

"Well son, I know it's hard for me but you's got a future to build with lots of time, unless of course, you got a way I can work directly in the castle for the princess & be honored, 'Honorary Task Voluntary', then I could laugh myself for joy from here to Manehattan!" Hoboken shrug off his shoulders in thinking, if Ben had connections, get him a job at the castle, like that could be the day, but if it were, he be mighty happy. "Otherwise, it's not how you look that be the point, but its inside you's got to keep strong & never lose yourself, you's hear?" He points to Ben's chest, telling him to not let looks he has keeps him from showing others the real Ben Mare on the inside.

"Yes sir!" Ben nods with a smile, he likes this stallion, he doesn't really know who Ben is but he's treating him like a pony should in helping a colt get through life.

"Good, no mossy along now, these floors ain't gonna clean themselves. Do-dodododoo..." Hoboken Joe nods with a smile before waving his hoof for the little colt to step aside as he sings a little song to himself while cleaning the floors.

As Hoboken Joe continues to clean, Ben Mare looks to him with a little appreciated smile this guy gave him. He lived through terrible things but never lets it keep him down and move forward, maybe this was an Earth Pony to help another like Ben gest over difficult challenges in his life in school, with Boris's bully gang and his feelings for Twilight.

"Maybe I can talk Twilight's brother Shining to give Hoboken Joe that dream job he's always wanted, if not...maybe mom might." Ben spoke of in thinking about helping the patient Earth stallion live out his dreams after all, he's been good & should be rewarded for that.

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It was during this time that Flash is at the academy watching Sunset take her exam. He glances at two unicorns nearby who tried out for their exam, one of them is smoking (literally) and the other is trying to keep his plant from biting him.

The examiners sat in the seats, one of them spoke to the eager Sunset, "Now, Sunset Shimmer...for your final test, you shall need to wow us. Give us the best you've got."

The second examiner nods as she speaks while writing on a pad, "We're looking forward to seeing if you can top your 'synchronized dancing cats" piece from last semester. That was a dazzler!"

"As Princess Celestia's own pupil, we expect big big things today!" The third examiner said in agreement.

"Well, you'll certainly see that." Sunset said with a smirk. She whistles, focusing her magic on a pot inside. As the examiners watch on, it soon begins to grow.

"Oh! Looks like she's going to do a growth spell...classic," The first examiner said in amazement. "But is it enough?"

"Let's hope it turns out better than Juniper Berry's attempt." The second examiner remarked in amusement.

Speaking of which, the said unicorn in question is yelping as his plant tries to bite him, causing him to scream, "Gah! Get off me!"

Sunset decides enough with the foal player. She turns and hit the pot with a bunch of magic. Flash's eyes widen as the small sprout grows into one huge vin that quickly grows right throughout the castle like mad.

Celestia was outside at this time, observing the huge vine that goes around the academy and knew who it was. She spoke, "I see somepony just passed their mid-term!" The princess heads over to the classroom, waiting to see some results.

The classroom of course collapses at this time but regardless, the ones in the room praise Sunset for her success. Juniper exclaims, "Bravo! Wonderful!"

"Thank you, thank you! It was nothing!" Sunset exclaims pleased with herself. She was a big hit, wasn't she?

Flash hugged Sunset Shimmer for passing her test while Princess Celestia smiled gently in seeing Sunset's success. One of the Royal Guards turned and walked away from the scene; Deep in the shadows of hallway, the Royal Guard transformed into a black hooded pony who smiled in interest before he disappeared in shadows.

On the other side of the castle, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle and Ben Mare were playing with a ball by passing one to another in enjoyment and joy. Twilight Sparkle hit the ball hard, causing it to fly up high. Shining Armor tried to hit but instead had his head hit by hitting Princess Cadance. The ball dropped down and bounced away.

Twilight Sparkle and Ben Mare chuckled and giggled at the scene. Both Shining Armor and Princess Cadance rubbed off from their heads before turning at each other as they both looked both embarrassed and blushed. They both laughed together. Ben Mare turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle. He smiled gently while looking at her. The two has indeed gotten closer.

Distance from Twilight, Ben, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, another hooded pony had seen this scene as well. He smirked before the new comer turned and walked away.

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In a dark chamber, two hooded ponies have been gathered. The first one, the one known as the Superior, spoke, "Dark Curse."

"Demon God; Have you found something interesting?" Dark Curse asks the Superior, wondering what his friend and ally has to report.

"In fact, I do. It was the same filly who had spied on our 'discussion'. I had seen something special on this filly."

"Really," Dark Curse asks in amusement as he licked on his mouth, much to the Superior's disgust. Why must his ally always do that? "To be honest, I have found something more interesting."

"Do tell. Or should I go?" The Superior asks Dark Curse. This better be good.

"You first."

"I have found a filly named Sunset Shimmer. I had seen her ability and spells. They're quite perfect and magnificent. She would be perfect fit for my crusade; Pity that Sunset now belongs to Princess Celestia as a student. If my suspicions are confirmed, then she could be the one to wield that power for our conquest."

Dark Curse ponders a bit then spoke, "Hmm..... interesting. But mine is even more. I had found that Ben had........feelings; For the Unicorn."

"Does that concern me?" The Superior asks Dark Curse, wondering what point that the Dark Mystic Pony has to say. And which filly is Dark Curse referring to? Sunset Shimmer belongs to Flash Sentry.

"Maybe not; But I have found something special on that filly. I believe her name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Strange.......It is the same name as number 7's whom your apprentice had taken great interest of her like she was meant to be his wife."

"Yes. But do not forget. She does not belong to this world." Dark Curse chuckled, pointing out that fact. The Superior nodded his head, understanding. "Anyway, I had sense something........familiar of Twilight's powers. She is somewhat had connection....... to Magic. If my suspicions are correct, she is the one for be your crusade. For you see, little Twilight is different; So much potential; So much power; And so much beauty within."

Superior chuckled as if this was a joke to him, "I'm surprised that you had a taste for fillies."

"No. I don't. But her powers are perfect and beauty. I assure you. She would be quite useful in the future."

"Such as?"

"Using her as a perfect hostage to this Ben, should he become a warrior. He will fail and fall to you in the future. Princess Celestia will have no choice but to surrender to you. For we know her connection to him," Dark Curse remarks cruelly. Both villains knew of Ben's true connection the princess which could be a factor in the near future.

"Hmm....... Yes. Your apprentice did inform us about him, yet he chose not to kill him........ I wonder why." The Superior said, pondering. The Shadow Dragon had the opportunity to kill Ben when he was a foal years ago...but chose to spare him for some reason; Interesting.

"I'm sure that must be the vision of his time has yet to come that he spoke of. If that is his reason, then we must be patient."

"Very well; for now....... We watch on how it goes; First Sunset Shimmer, then Twilight Sparkle. Both will be perfect uses for our crusades. Let us see of whom is the one to wield the power of Element of Magic."

Dark Curse smirked, saying, "Yes. Indeed , my lord and true........ Demon God........."

-------------------

"That's cool, Ben. It looks like you've made third friend." Flash said, impressed by what Ben told him. That's the second good news today, next to Sunset being accepted into Celestia's school and is now the princess's student as well as her passing her mid-term...though the Pegasus is concerned for his filly's attitude change lately.

"Yeah...... He and I share the similarity yet he'd never give up. It's like those awful words or things that meant to hurt him never bother him. He's cool." Ben said to Flash with a smile.

Flash smiled, while adding, "I'm glad you learn of that. You know...... I heard about Hoboken Joe. He used to be a Royal Guard."

"Really; How?"

"Well, they said that Hoboken Joe is the best fighter and warrior among Canterlot for not only fighting and battling against the enemies, but he saved lives."

"Wow?! Really," Ben asks Flash in amazement. He has never heard that part about his new friend until now! Amazing!

Flash nodded, saying, "Eeyup. They said that Hoboken Joe may have strange ways to do or doing something, but he had good wisdom of helping others, no matter how different the ponies are."

"Wow. It's amazing."

Flash smiled, speaking, "You bet . So, here's the thing. I may not have been there for you, but with another Royal Guard on your side, you can ask him for help."

"Thanks Flash. I will. By the way, do you have any strange feeling that something hits our head like losing something important?" Ben asks Flash a bit puzzled. He has a weird feeling that the pony has forgotten something.

"Beats me; I had the feeling too. Ow...... Boy, talk about having a headache."

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"Shut up." Laxtinct remarks, crossing his upper fore arms, making the other ponies laugh.

"May, talk about your irony." Midnight Moonlight remarks in amazement.

"So Sunset was in grandma's school during this time?" Nyx ask Flash curiously.

"Yes, she was...if only I would've realized about her behavior sooner." Flash said with a sigh.

--------------------

Princess Celestia is concerned about Sunset's latest behavior with her fellow students, especially when it comes to making friends. As the two trot down a hallway, the princess spoke, "Sunset Shimmer, I have heard that you're not getting along well with the other students...we 've talked about the fact that personal relationships..."

"Personal relationships," Sunset ask with a scoff. As far as she knows, the filly only wants Flash, not anypony else! "Who needs anypony? The most important thing in life is to be the best."

"We've talked about friendship and its importance before, and we've discussed that you need to start opening yourself up to new friends. And remember that talk we had about humility?"

"I remember how boring it was."

Celestia decides that perhaps she should show her student something, something that could help Sunset Shimmer learn friendship as well as humility, whatever she wants to or nothing. The Alicorn takes the unicorn into room that has some sort of mirror in it.

"Look into this mirror and tell me what you see." Celestia said to Sunset with a grin.

Sunset did so, and grins slyly, seeing her reflection while saying, "A beautiful pony that has nothing but power and potential." This made the Alicorn roll her eyes at this.

"Care to try that again with our talk about humility taken into account?"

"I see a pony whose isn't powerful enough. Somepony who could be great, powerful..." Sunset remarked, grinding her teeth. As she looks into the mirror some more, the unicorn sees that with Celestia behind herself, her own reflection looks like that Sunset is an Alicorn, crown and all, "Somepony that could rule Equestria."

"Maybe we better move on..." Celestia said in concern. Perhaps the mirror is causing more harm than good. Sunset was about to leave when she notices something in the mirror, some sort of apelike creature that oddly looks like her...

"Wait, what was that? I thought I saw..."

Celestia looks concerned then pushes Sunset away from the mirror, glancing at it though. Something that her student saw has concerned her.

"Oh, it was probably a trick of the light. Our lesson is over for today." Celestia said in concern, wanting Sunset to leave the room and the mirror, hopefully for a long time. "I want you to reflect on the discussion we've just had."

"Hmm," Sunset said with a frown. Something about that mirror...

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Sunset Shimmer was seen looking miserable over her failed attempt to get her teacher to talk about that mirror, now she'll have to try again another time. She was seen walking down a dark alley from being lost in her thought while looking for Flash.

"You seem discourage, little one." Spoke a voice that came from behind the filly.

"Hugh?" Sunset yelped to look behind her to find...a mysterious hooded cloak stallion she never seen before. "Who...who are you, mister?" She asked cause she never seen this creature, but in truth, it was the Superior, she would have known if not for the memory erase event.

"Do not fear, I am here to help you. I can see the hidden magic potential you have; it only needs guidance to blossom." The Superior spoke in wishing to help the child realize her dream.

"Well, you think so; I couldn't get my teacher to tell me about that mirror!" Sunset mopes in seeing she failed to get Celestia to talk about the mirror; something about it that the Alicorn prefers not to talk about.

"There will be other times, but you must make up now to find out the next time. I can very much show you the way." The Superior spoke off in stating this matter that not all things can be too late.

"You can?" Sunset raised an eyebrow puzzled.

"But....you must accept this gift to help you grow." Superior issued this off in wanting to extent his hoof.

Then when Sunset Shimmer touched the stallion's cloak, a strange invisible darkness seeped into her and an orb seems planted inside her.

"Wha...what happened?" Sunset Shimmer asked off in not understanding what happened to her just now.

"Just a little seed of power to help you bloom," The Superior issued off in what this little magic will do. "I am the Superior, and I will watch over your growth, and if you can achieve great enough power, you'll earn a seat at the table of only the most powerful ponies in all of Equestria." The Superior explained himself and of the goal for achieving such a position.

"All of Equestria? Even Princess Celestia," Sunset asked off surprise in hearing of this.

"Yes, even more powerful than her. Are you interested?" Superior spoke in nodding while wanting to know, was Sunset interested in what he had to offer?

The child did not know it, but her guard was down that the inner darkness glowed over her little magic aura and seems to turn her lost puzzled expression to one of dark determination even more than that of her arrogance.

"Ye...yes...yes I am! When do I get started?" Sunset spoke in agreeing to this, starting her path to darkness.

"Your teachings to power shall be taught by I & Celestia, but I will arrive when you don't know it, a place where the mind can be filled." Superior explained things to which left any puzzled.

"Hugh?" Sunset was baffled; she did not get much of that.

"I shall see you another time.....in your dreams." The Superior spoke in preparing to teach the child things, when she sleeps.

And with that, the Superior vanished in a corridor of darkness before anyone even could see he was around.

"Sunset Shimmer, looks like you're on your way to stardom." Sunset Shimmer smiled off with a strange more arrogant tone in having scored a big prize.

Soon Sunset made it out, and there Flash was there from looking for her, but she said she was fine, in fact...she was better than fine. As she left with a strange smug look, Flash was left puzzled, that seem a little different from how Sunset usually acts before following. But neither saw the Superior's dark portal watching them leave.

"In a matter of years, your light will wither and you'll become a servant to the dark. To serve me & the organization's cause for freeing the true ruler within Tartarus. I will watch your progress Sunset Shimmer, and very soon, I shall acquire Twilight Sparkle to join among ranks." With those evil & sneaky words spoken, did the Superior's portal of darkness vanished without anyone seeing or hearing what he has done.

----------

"Anyway, things got a bit intense...especially around the time of the Summer Sun Celebration..." Flash said, recalling what happened next.

----------------

"Summer Sun Celebration is coming. I don't know what to do....... Boris will be there........ He will do anything to beat me down, so I won't get close to Twilight." Ben said meekly. He told his mother and got her permission to attend the Summer Sun Celebration with Twilight. But what worries him is that Boris will show up to causes more trouble.

Flash scoffed, "Like that's gonna happen." He took a cloak out, giving it to his best friend. "Besides, with this, Boris won't know the differences and it'll be hard for him to find you."

"You'd think it would work?"

"What did I say before?"

Ben chuckles, saying, "Don't think. Believe in it."

"What was the rule about the cloak?" Flash reminds Ben with a smirk.

"Helps you in stealth and sticks to shadows so your enemy won't find you. Cool."

"It is, my friend. So get out there and start sticking with your Twilight!"

--------------

The Summer Sun Celebration has come at last and the ponies of Canterlot are of course there to watch the ruler Celestia raise the sun. Twilight moves up front to get a good look at the event.

"Twilight, you made it!" A familiar voice spoke up. Twilight smiles as she saw Ben nearby, wearing some sort of cloak.

"Ben! I'm glad to see you here, too!" Twilight giggles in delight. "Why are you wearing a cloak?"

"To keep Boris and his goons from seeing me with you, what else," Ben points out in concern. Even being near Twilight would mean Boris will get an excuse to want to hurt the poor Earth pony. Well, still, the purple unicorn refuses to let that creep hurt Ben...not again or ever.

"Well, don't you worry, Ben," Twilight said, "There's no way I'll let that conceited jerk get you this time."

"Thank you, Twilight." The brown earth pony said with a smile, "You're the best friend I ever met."

"And...you're my best friend, too..." Twilight said with a blush. She smiles, noticing that Ben is blushing, while trying to hide it. It makes one wonder if these two ponies really do like one another.

The two friends watch in awe with the others in the crowd as the event occurred; Celestia arrived and raised the sun like she always does every morning or at this great celebration.

"Wow!" Ben exclaimed in amazement as the crowd cheered and applauded.

-----------------------------

A while later, after the celebration was over, the ponies head on home. Twilight and Ben were hanging out while the unicorn said, "Amazing. Celestia was able to do that...with magic even."

"I can imagine that she always has that power." Ben chuckles to Twilight a bit.

"Perhaps...I should do some magic myself. I mean, I am a unicorn and if I practice hard enough..." Twilight said in thought. Who knows? If she studies and practice magic, maybe someday, she will be as good as Celestia herself...or close to her, anyway.

Ben smiles, putting one arm around Twilight while saying, "Twilight, you should go for it. You dreamt of being a great magic user likes Celestia, right? You told me one time. I say again, you should go for it. If you tried your best, you will do fine.

"You're right! I'll do it!" Twilight said eagerly with a smile, "I'll study and practice magic! I'll be like Celestia!" Then she hugged Ben joyfully as she said, "Oh, Ben, thank you so much!"

"You're welcome..." Ben said while hugging Twilight right back. He then let go and gave a weird wave to her. "Well...I gotta go home now. See ya later, Twi."

Twilight wave right back before smiling as Ben departs. She always wonder what's feel so right about being with him. Could it be that Twilight has found him: her special somepony?

And her teasing her big brother who hangs with her foalsitter Cadance was funny enough!

Ben doesn't know it but Boris was following him and Twilight...and as usual, the bully wasn't happy at all!

Boris groaned as he was about to attack on Ben from the back. However Flash came in front of Boris from out nowhere, smirking as he spoke, "Boris the Animal."

"It's just Boris! Wouldn't it kill you to stop calling me that?!" Boris demands angrily to Flash. Who is this Pegasus dolt?!

"Wouldn't it kill you to stop hurting my Earth Pony friend?!"

"So, you're him! You must be Flash."

Flash smirked, saying mockingly, "Eeyup."

"I'm gonna teach you a lesson!" Boris growls furiously to Flash. He is going to punish this Pegasus colt for meddling in his affairs!

Boris used his magic on objects such as garbage, broken glasses, banana splits and more at Flash Sentry. The future Royal Guard dodged and flew over him. Boris used his Magic Blast on Flash but again he dodged again. Boris used two attack types against Flash but he dodged the attacks. Boris groaned in anger as he used his levitation spell on Flash, causing him to being dragged towards him.

Flash smirked as he start beating up at Boris for many times: face, body and legs. Boris gasped in tiredness and exhausted. The friend smirked as he pushed his hoof on his head, causing him to fall down.

Flash glared at Boris, saying sternly, "Now listen carefully. I'm done of seeing and hearing Ben's been bullied by the likes of you. You may think of Ben being weak. To me, he's strong and heroic. And trust me, I know him better than you are."

Boris groaned in pain, "Why....... why help the likes of him?"

"Equality; No matter how different we are, we are the same: comrades, friends and brothers. I see Ben......as a brother to me. And I won't let you get away with this."

"How....."

"Like I said, you know nothing about Ben than I do. So read my lips, freak: Leave- Him- Alone." Flash demands to Boris sternly. The colt is not going to give the same warning twice. Next time will be personal!

"Yes sir!" Boris exclaims a bit nervously. Flash means business!

"Now beat it!"

-------------

"Oh man!" Rainbow laughs, almost shooting out Apple Cider out of her nose. "That was awesome."

"I know, you rock," Blaze Leo said to Flash with a smile.

"Boris didn't learn his lesson later but that's okay. I made my point clear." Flash said proudly. He then looks down sadly. "Of course, then Sunset became mean and terrible...and after she went too far...we broke up."

"Oh, poor Flash." Fluttershy said, patting Flash on the back.

"I know."

-----------

"You know what's fascinating?" Sunset ask her teacher as the two are having a picnic in the park. Of course, Celestia groans a bit. Ever since she shown her that mirror, that is all the unicorn wants to talk about. She isn't ready. "Mirrors...about the one in..."

"Sunset Shimmer; we've been over this, we will get to the mirror and many other lessons in due time...when you're ready." Celestia scolds Sunset, making her frown angrily. As clouds form while it begins to rain, the Alicorn heads off as if ending the subject with her student who glares as she leaves herself.

"I am ready."

Sunset is getting disgusted, how could Celestia not tell her about the mirror?! She decided to do something about it but first, the filly wants to take her frustration out by using her magic to knock ponies in trash cans, making them scream in pain and even send food right onto them. It kinda cheers her up...have what happened next didn't occurred.

Flash saw what Sunset did to the poor and innocent fillies, foals, elders and family when she used the magic on them. Angrily, the Pegasus snaps angrily to her, "Is this what you want? I hope you're happy! Happy to get anything you want because I'm not happy for what you did!"

"Wait, what are you talking about?" Sunset ask Flash in concern and worry. She didn't even notice him there until it was too late.

"Sunset; how could you do something stupid?! How could be so selfish?!"

"What's wrong with you?! I thought you support me."

"I am; But not in this kind of situation. What happen to the one I love and admire with?" Flash ask Sunset in disbelief. His filly is turning cruel and dishonest every day.

"The one who you believe will do anything to prove Equestria that she is better and powerful! I'll be the new ruler! I know it! It's my destiny!" Sunset exclaims to Flash angrily. "When it happens, I want you to be my prince. And together we will take over her kingdom."

"No."

"What?! Why?! Don't you want to become a king, so everyone respect you?"

Flash shakes his head, saying, "I do; But not this way. I will never do something stupid or disloyalty to my family's and Princess Celestia."

"Why," Sunset demands to Flash in disbelief. She wanted to be with him, to rule this kingdom especially with the Superior helping her out! And maybe Sunset could finally figure out the deal with that mirror.

"Because....... one day, I want you to meet........ her son." Flash said in sadness. Sunset is shocked to hear this. The princess has a son? "That son....... is the first friend that I want to help and protect as his knight. But I guess this is not the way I want you to meet Ben."

"Wait...... You're not saying that......."

"Ben is the one that we had discussed."

Sunset shook her head, saying, "No! I refused to believe! She doesn't have any child!" Celestia couldn't have a son; why didn't she even mention him to her?!

"Believe it or not; I won't betray my family and Princess Celestia. I won't betray him." Flash sighed. "Sunset...... I'm sorry, but........ If you keep up like this...... then....... it's over for us."

"What?! No!"

"I'm sorry....... I can't stay with you anymore. The one I call Sunset Shimmer....... you took her away from me......."

Flash walked away from her. While walking, the colt had his tears come down from his eyes. He has lost the filly that the Pegasus wanted to be with...forever...

"Flash; FLASH; FLASH," Sunset exclaims to Flash in horror and sadness. But he just kept on trotting.

-------------

"Oh man, you and Sunset broke up?" Ben ask Flash in concern. The Pegasus was helping the colt with his room and told his best friend what has happened.

"I'm sorry but the Sunset Shimmer I knew is gone forever. I just wish I knew what happened." Flash sighs in sadness. "You're lucky, Ben. You still got your filly."

"We haven't got together yet Flash. But calm down. I'm sure Sunset Shimmer will come to her senses once mom straightens her out."

"I'm afraid that won't happen anytime soon, Ben." Celestia said in concern as she trots into the room. The princess has overheard the conversion and decides to step in. "She's gone. Sunset Shimmer is no longer my student."

"Why? What happened?" Flash ask the princess in shock.

"My librarian caught her in the Dark Magic library, off limits to everypony except me and some officials. She was looking through some books; I can't tell you what the details are. Things went bad...I was forced to remove her from the position of my pupil."

"Wow, mommy," Ben said in concern and worry. "She must be taking this hard."

Celestia pauses as if hesitating then answers, "She was...and then...Sunset Shimmer disappeared."

"She disappeared?" Flash ask Celestia in shock. Right after Sunset Shimmer was removed as the Alicorn's student, she disappeared.

"Again, I can't tell you further details." Celestia said in sadness, looking away.

The truth be told, Sunset Shimmer broke into the Dark Magic library to find out more about the mirror. And when Celestia found out, the unicorn demands that she makes her a princess, but the Goddess of the Sun refused, saying that being a princess must be earned. She was trying to teach Sunset everything but the filly've turned from the teachings...plus, proving that everything Sunset claims that she 'deserve' to get something without the effort means that the arrogant and cruel filly is not ready.

Celestia removes Sunset from the position of her pupil, forbidding her from the castle before ordering the guards to escort the former student out...but the filly ambushes them both and jumps into the mirror, going into another world...

Celestia saw Flash falling to the floor, crying. Ben hugs his best friend to comfort the poor colt, believing that his breakup with her must've led to these events.

-----------

"I thought that my breakup with Sunset Shimmer was the reason she disappeared, but had I known about the mirror before..." Flash said sadly, shaking his head.

"It’s okay, Flash; The Superior was the one to blame, not you." Nyx said to Flash with a gentle smile. The Pegasus guard smiles, trying his best to cheer up.

"Thanks Nyx. Now then, it's during this time of Twilight performing magic...and around the time of me training...to be a Royal Guard at last..."

-------------

At the arena, Princess Celestia, Lieutenant Hardstone and Ben watched the battlefield carefully. Flash came out from the north entrance. He wore golden armor and a helmet as the colt held his sword and shield. Flash prepared himself in battle. Despite his breakup with Sunset and her disappearance, he isn't going to let that ruin his focus.

"Do you think Flash will; pass his test, mom?" Ben asks Celestia curiously. "This is his final test. Flash had been through the Strategy Test, Commanding Test, Aerial Test, Dragon Riding Test, Speed Test, Strength Test, Obedient Test, History Test, Weapon Making Test and now the Duel Test. Flash's the best."

"I believe so. I'm sure he'll be fine. Besides, Ben, you and him are in for a surprise." Celestia said to Ben with a smirk as if knowing something that her son doesn't. The colt turned and gasped as he saw Azure Phoenix and a crimson armored Pegasus coming out from the south.

"Is that -?"

"Azure Phoenix; I requested him to bring the best soldier to face against Flash. He chose one of Bladestrike's subordinates."

Ben gulped, "I hope he's okay." Weird, there's something familiar about that pony that Azure brought out...

"He will be." Hardstone assures Ben with a smile. Flash will be fine.

"Remember; do not give him a chance. I want you to give him the best. Show him why you are known as the Eagle Warrior." Azure explains to Blazefist wisely.

"Yes sir" Blazefist said, saluting Azure before he turn to face Flash. "So, we meet again." Of course, the Mystic Pony knew that the colt doesn't remember him but what a way to freak him out, eh?

"Wow. I'd never thought I'd be facing one of Phoenix Kingdom's officers. This is awesome." Flash said impressed. Weird, this soldier looks familiar...

With the gong sounding, Flash charged in as he strike against his enemy with his sword but Blazefist blocked the attacks with his might of the twin swords. The Mystic Pony pushed his swords against Flash's sword back. Blazefist quickly strikes his sword against the Pegasus whom quickly blocks the attacks with his shield. For a couple of times, the opponent continued his assault on Flash's shield until the young soldier moved to his left side. Flash quickly hits against Blazefist's face.

Blazefist smirked as both Pegasi continued swinging their swords against each other and sometimes they blocked, and dodged down up, down, left and right from each other's attacks. The Mystic Pony jumped up as he was about to attack against Flash whom quickly rolled over to his left. As Blazefist slammed his swords onto the ground hard, the young soldier quickly kick against his chest for a few times until Blazefist grabbed Flash's hooves as he quickly slammed the young Pegasus on two sides for a few times.

"Whoa!" Ben exclaims. "That soldier strikes hard."

"Indeed . This is the first time in ages that he got a fight." Celestia comments, much to Ben's confusion. "I saw him fight of course."

"Yes, Flash got a big fight on his hooves." Hardstone commented, nodding a bit.

Flash lay on the ground. He struggled to get up while glaring at Blazefist who ask in amusement, "Give up?"

Flash scoffed, "Don't think so." This is one colt whose isn't going down so easily.

Flash quickly got up as he strikes his sword against Blazefist whom quickly dodged away for a few times while beating him down with his punching and kicking. The opponent gave the final attack in kicking at Flash's chest.

"Give up?" Blazefist ask Flash once more.

"Never," Flash refuses.

"Tell me....... Warrior, why must you keep resisting? You know that you do not possess the means of winning." Azure said to Flash, trying to reason with the stubborn colt.

"Coz........ I want to help. I want to help and protect Ben at all cost. Ben means so much to me; It worth to my effort and strength. I'm not gonna let him down because I am his Knight and his best friend. I won't let him down. I won't go down without a fight."

"Flash........" Ben said, amazed by his best friend's loyalty and determination.

Azure chuckled calmly, "Impressive. Such skill and motivated you possessed, you truly had become a worthy warrior." With that, he signals Blazefist to back off.

"Wait!" Flash exclaims in sorry, wondering what's going on.

"You're saying that......" Ben begins to say, hoping for the best.

Azure smiles as he turns to Celestia, saying, "Princess Celestia. Flash Sentry is considered to be worthy as one of your Royal Guards."

Ben and Flash cheered out loud happily. Suddenly the Earth pony gasps as he saw something appear on his friend's flank.

"Flash; Look! Your flank," Ben exclaims to Flash in amazement.

Flash took a look and saw a two-tone sapphire blue shield behind a yellow lightning bolt. It's his Cutie Mark! He has one at last!

"My Cutie Mark; I have one! Yeah," Flash cheers on wildly. His Cutie Mark has arrived at last!

"It looks like he has a shield. Ha! Just like mine," Hardstone comment, proud of his son's Cutie Mark.

"It could mean one thing. Because of Flash's friendship with Ben, he earns that mark as symbol of caring and protecting his friend. Well done," Celestia said, proud of this. This means that Ben and Flash would be friends for a long time...or is it?

-------------

In the present, Pinkamena was reading something and says in mind, 'Well seems to me that her name is really Autumn Gem when I looked on wiki, hmmm? Oh well, might be a mistake but I am not sure but Autumn Gem and Arctic Gem? I think both are good names but that will be up to JusSonic to decide what name will fit her well in this fic series."

-----------------

Getting back to the ponies, Nyx cheers on, "Wow, Uncle Flash. You did great when you became a Royal Guard for the first time!"

"Yeah, I know. For a moment, we felt like things will be like that forever." Flash remark with a light chuckle.

"I was proud of my buddy Flash. I felt like once I confessed my feelings to Twilight, she will have an extra friend as well." Ben remarks with a chuckle.

"Then came that moment that changed everything for the best but at the same time, the worst," Flash said seriously. "Of course, you are aware of Twilight's quest for magic as well as her parents enrolling her into Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, correct?"

"Yeah. So?" Rainbow asked, remembering that day.

"We also know of Boris mocking Ben, Twilight giving him that scarf to assure him that they will be together always." Fluttershy said to Flash with a nod.

"As well as Twilight getting 'dat there gift from Ben," Applejack exclaims, revealing the necklace that Ben gave Twilight that restored him years later...well, she didn't get it right away.

"Well, Ben came along and told me about his filly's being accepted and hopes that she will be passes her entrance exam..." Flash said, getting to that part of the story now.

------------------

"You'd think Twilight's gonna pass her test? I know I should believe, but........" Ben begins to ask Flash, getting worried. What if Twilight fails her exam? It will break her heart and dash her dreams.

"Hey. Don't tell me you're giving up so easily." Flash said to Ben in disapproval. Twilight earned the right to prove herself and yet her colt is worried that she won't make it?

"No, I'm not!" Ben exclaims to his best friend in concern.

"Sounded like one." Flash remarks to Ben skeptically.

Ben sighs as he admits, "Okay, fine, you win . But still, do you think she can do it?"

Flash smiled as he answers that question, "Never give up. That's what. And it's one of what?"

"One of the Royal Guard's number one rules," Ben comments, recalling that rule so well.

Flash smiled, saying, "Exactly. So go out and support Twilight. I want some report from you when you're done."

"Yes sir." Ben said, saluting Flash as he leaves. Perhaps his friend is right. He should support Twilight, knowing that the colt is there to be by her side.

------------

"Getting nervous, Twiley?" Shining ask his sister with a smile as the filly prepares herself for her big day, one that could change her life forever (unknown to Twilight at the time).

"A bit," Twilight said in concern. "What if they want me to pass an entrance exam? What if I failed?"

"Whoa, whoa, Twiley, calm down. They wouldn't give you something difficult that will assure that you fail big time, right? Trust me, as your big brother, I have confidence that you would proceed."

"Yeah...maybe you're right. Shining...did I tell you about what I talked with Ben earlier?"

"No, what is it?" Shining ask Twilight curiously.

"Well, he wanted me to answer a question: if I would be his special somepony or not?" Twilight ask, with a blush on her face. Shining grins, the big brother has gotten his answer already.

"I knew it. You wanted to be his special somepony do you?"

"Yes. Oh, my stomach is full of butterflies. I hope that my entrance exam wouldn't make me put off my answer or anything."

"Relax, Twilight." Shining assures his sister as he nuzzles her a bit. "I'm assured that you will do fine. You will see."

Twilight nods, she hopes to Celestia that the judges for the entrance exam doesn't give her anything...too hard, right?

---------

What the hay was she thinking?! The next day, her parents brought Twilight to the school and right in a lecture hall...and as the filly fears, she has to pass an entrance exam to get in! Four examiners are in their seats, holding down clipboards and paper, preparing to see if she's edible or not.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet watch, prompting her to keep her head up and smile. Twilight gulps a bit and tries to do so. She wonders how Ben deals with this kind of thing, being nervous of course. Suddenly the filly near jumped out of her coat as a door is heard opening. A stallion came in, pushing a cart filled with straw and a one, large spotted egg. There is a sign on the cart's side that depicts the egg hatching and a Dragon popping out, instructions for the examinee.

"Now then, you may begin." One examiner said to Twilight sternly. The stallion pushes the cart over to the filly who eyes it uncertainly while the delivery stallion backs out of the room. "Well, Miss Sparkle?"

Hoo boy, this is difficult. Twilight gave the egg a good look and giggles nervously before sighing. The examiners use their pencils to take notes on their clipboard. The filly grits her teeth, sweating a bit. What will she do?

Twilight is startled as another committee coughs. The filly backs up and aims her horn at the egg. She concentrates a bit, Twilight cannot fail this. She groans while doing her best...but all she does was sends out a little spark from the tip and made the third examiner yawn; Unimpressive.

"We don't have all day." The female examiner remarks dryly while checking her watch. Twilight looks worried. This was the most important day of her life, her entire future would be affected by the outcome of this day...and she was about to blow it!

Twilight send out one more spark...but it fizzles out. The filly sighs sadly as she belly flops to the lecture hall floor, then got up to sit on her haunches. Perhaps Twilight wasn't meant to be studying under Princess Celestia at all. Perhaps she's better off being a magic-less pony.

"I'm sorry I wasted your time." Twilight said in a small voice. The examiners jot down some notes. Looks like she failed...

-----------

At this time, Ben Mare was seen sitting under a tree, looking up towards the sky. He lets off a sigh in sounding...a little sad. The Earth colt knows that today is the day Twilight takes the entrance exam for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. But, deep down, Ben was worried if his mother would truly see something special about Twilight as he had, or would Celestia break the filly's dream by not accepting her, the one that he cares for. So many questions were going through Ben's mind that a familiar 'friend' of his happens to come by.

"Shoot, what seems to be troubling ya Ben?" Ben turned to the voice, only to see Hoboken Joe coming by while pushing a cart of recyclable stuff & some picked up trash across the streets in Canterlot.

"Hoboken Joe; I...didn't see you there. What are you doing?" Ben responded a bit surprise to see his other friend, even an Earth Pony janitor, was nearby, but why?

"My job, of course, or did ya forget that I'm a janitor, plus volunteer to take up jobs that no other fancy pony in their right mind would wanna get dirty to do." Hoboken explained off in stating his reason of being here was to do his job.

"Right, sorry." Ben responded a bit cheekily before looking away, he was so distracted in thought, he forgot about that reason.

"Well come on now Ben, what's eaten' ya up?" Hoboken Joe asked from coming over to se what was making the colt feel blue.

"It's my friend, Twilight Sparkle." Ben addressed off the manner of what's got his attention.

"You's friend, or ya mean you's special pony?" Hoboken smiled to make a little joke to cheer up this colt.

"Well...she's taking part in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns." Ben smiled mostly before looking worried with concerns.

"By golly, that's great to hear. She must be one talented little filly for ya!" Hoboken responded surprise to hear Ben's filly friend is taking part in such a special place for gifted unicorns.

"Yeah, but I'm hoping she does well, I'm worried about what happen if she...fails...what should I do?" Ben responded off in having second thoughts that while he believes Twilight will do fine, what happens if she doesn't pass, what should he say or do then?

"Well that there is up to them teachers to decide, plus the princess." Hoboken pointed off that unless Twilight shows potential, then the staff or Celestia could make an expectation this time. "But shoot, unless you's got a connection to Celestia to ask her nicely to have Twilight pass, then the filly has to show her stuff...on her own." He stated off that unless Celestia sees Twilight is special, maybe Ben could get the princess to take the filly under her wing.

"Really; Wha...what kinda sign should we look for? If it can help Twilight, then I..." Ben asked off in hearing this, maybe if they find it now, it can help Twilight all the more.

"Slow down, Ben, signs that tell us about future stuff ain't gonna appear from the sky." Hoboken held up his hooves to state how they can't go looking for a sign to tell them the future, it just happens.

"Maybe, but..." Ben looked a little down; he was sure hoping to find a sign that could help with Twilight, if only it could happen.

"BOOOMFRUVHMMM..." Suddenly, something happened that caused the entire area itself to shake from strong explosive vibration. This caught a lot of certain ponies' attention and more so than others.

"WAAAAUGH; Duck and cover; It's another pony Warfare!" Hoboken Joe cried out before jumping on Ben Mare, covering the colt like some solider taking a blast. "Where are them Apples? We need them out here, FAAAST!" The stallion was looking around for some Apples in question to appear, but why?

"Augh, Hoboken! What are you talking about, there's no war happening! It sounded like it came above us!" Ben tried to push his friend off of him while calming Hoboken down about where the noise of origin came from.

And just above the view of Canterlot, all could see what appeared to be a rainbow...but it was shot off like a ring that spread across the skies. The colors were seen far and wide, so many and in a large scale, it was a marvel of beauty and wonderment ponies haven't ever come across before in their lives.

"Well, shoot my bickers & call me Shirley!" Hoboken calmed down enough to stand up and look at the marvel in the sky.

"Your name's Shirley?" Ben raised an eyebrow in what Hoboken said was his name, not getting it was a metaphor reply.

"Noooo, I mean that there! In the sky! That rainbow," Hoboken shook off the silly colt's misunderstanding to look up in the sky. "Why, I do believe it's a rare anomaly!" He held his chin in pondering what they happen to have here.

"Really, what kind," Ben asked a bit intrigued in what they are seeing is a rare sight.

"Heck, it's different from a Rainbow some Pegasus use, yet it had a...'boom' effect, plus its course work is like a shockwave we refer as; a sonic boom." Hoboken Joe was putting together some parts in what they had here and the meaning of stuff that could explain the creation of this new trick in the skies. "Heck, I do think that maybe it's a; 'Sonic Rainboom', if any, ya know, people call it that. It's an old wise-mare's tale." He declared while shrugging off his shoulders in thinking, folks could call it whatever, but it had the workings of a sonic boom mix with a rainbow; so hence, maybe in the future be described as a Sonic Rainboom.

"Wow; that sounds amazing! Who do you think did it?" Ben responded in liking the sounds of the name and thought of whoever done this.

"My guess, a very special Pegasus; There ain't that many that could pull off such an unusual display work." Hoboken Joe looked up at the sky to try to see who done the trick, it HAD to have been a Pegasus, but whoever done it was too far and tiny to be seen.

"Do you think that's the sign that we were looking for?" Ben asked Hoboken if the Sonic Rainboom they saw is a sign to tell them about Twilight.

"If not, then my kin-eye work is telling me that I ain't seeing a Dragon head pop out of the building that's supposed to be where the entrance exam your filly friend is partaking in!" Hoboken turned his head in issuing something even stranger yonder that sounded more bizarre than seeing a rare Sonic-Rainboom display.

True to Hoboken Joe's words, from his and Ben's spot, they had a view of the building where Twilight was gonna enter to pass the exam to get in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns; when some big-headed Dragon head bust the ceiling off. Now a lot of folks were surprised, but some got worried from a few sparks of electricity shooting off from the windows & the ceiling hole. It wasn't long before that Dragon head that broke the roof of the palace suddenly vanished without a trace.

"Woah, what happened now?" Ben asked off in never believing that just happened now.

"Beats me, but I can think of one thing." Hoboken shook his head in being stump surprise too, but thought for a moment about all of this. "Unexpected rainbow display, a sudden dragon broke out of the roof of a palace, nobody knew about or seen a big dragon come to Canterlot today, while today is the exam for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns." He thought long and hard about all this strange events, and came to a conclusion. "Hmm, I do declare that these signs must mean....your filly passed." Hoboken Joe turned to Ben with a smile in stating to the colt that this all meant that Twilight passed her entry exam.

"Hugh? Re-Really," Ben was so stun and shocked, that words didn't come out of his mouth.

"Shoot, I bet'cha the apple mark on my flank here that not only did Twilight pass, but maybe got a Cutie Mark to boot!" Hoboken pointed an apple on his flank with his other stuff mark there in stating that maybe Twilight Sparkle also found her talent for a Cutie Mark to appear.

"You really think so? Gosh, that would be so amazing if Twilight gotten her Cutie Mark on the day of passing the exam!" Ben exclaimed off in never guessing that Twilight would be so amazing to do all of that.

"Though what it look like, that's a tricky one. Any guesses?" Hoboken rubbed his noggin in trying to have the two guess, what image of a Cutie Mark Twilight had discovered?

"Um how's about...something to do with stars?" Ben slowly responded in his first guess for the special pony of his.

"Eh, good enough for me to think that it's durable. What with her name being like Twilight, and Sparkle, gives away the ideal point of sparky stars in the twilight." Hoboken shrug off in saying that guess alone seems to fit Twilight perfectly and on Ben's first try too.

"Boy, I can't wait to know how she did!" Ben smiled and jumps for joy, he really wants to see and hear the news from Twilight. "By the way, why did you act that way about an attack & something with apples?" The young colt looked to Hoboken Joe puzzled about how he was acting strangely for a guy that looks like a hobo.

"Well, can't give ya much, but I was once a part of a battle, well...more like a war that happened and ya see...when I said Apples, those were some ponies that I knew." Hoboken rubbed his back neck in struggling to say these things about his past in which he fought in a war once and knew some ponies by the Apple name.

"Wait, when did we have a war? And who are the Apples?" Ben asked off in never hearing about them having a war or about some ponies that had an apple relationship.

"Sorry Ben, it's an old history that I can't tell ya until you's is older." Hoboken Joe shook his head 'no' that the tale of such a time when ponies were at war is too much for a little colt to hear about; too scary. "As for the Apples, let's just say....I'm connected to them by the known Earth pony farmers group called the Apple Family." He shrugs off to look at his Cutie Mark, remembering days about some group that were Earth ponies from a family group.

"Really," Ben responded a bit surprise, so there were more Earth ponies, even farmers that earn some reputation.

"Yeah, and the tale...is kinda painful." Hoboken looked away in almost showing a sorrow expression; it almost got Ben's attention... till the stallion snap out of it. "But enough sass about me, think about present time here. You should get ready when you see Twilight, and best prepare for some shocking news, other than her acceptance & Cutie Mark discovery." Hoboken Joe issued that Ben should just quickly get going to meet up with Twilight to hear the side of news from her and much more.

"Gotta book it Hoboken; Seeya!" Ben nods with a smile before suddenly racing off with much speed.

As Ben was racing down, Hoboken Joe return to the stuff he left when he talked to the colt. But before moving, he looked to his flank and rubbed the apple mark with a little smile while looking off at a distance Ben Mare.

"Hugh, that boy is something special, might not be a unicorn, but my gut tells me that there's something magical about him." Hoboken Joe exclaimed in feeling that Ben Mare is a pony of much hidden potential, more so then any of them can believe. "Just like in those days with the family...hugh, how that day still remains." He looked to the apple mark to sigh with some form of grief, recalling something connecting with the Apple Family & from a previous war battle. But then he snaps his attention on the present. "Aw shoot, I forgot my own advice; look positive during any moment, well then...time I got cracking now! Dum-dumdilly-um-bumbum..." Soon Hoboken Joe regains his positive motive, and started to once again sing a little song to pass the time while he moved along in doing his other task jobs.

------------

As Ben was heading back home, let's go back a few minutes or so to what happened during Twilight's exam.

Twilight looks down, feeling like she fails...when sometime shocking happens: a distant explosion shakes the room with a rainbow blast wave appearing in the window, spreading over the sky.

Twilight is startled as her horn came to life with a beam that is send towards the cart, hitting the egg as a result. The egg levitates out of the straw before breaking open. The Ponies looks astounded as a baby purple Dragon appears, yawning and stretching.

But Twilight's magic didn't stop there. The filly gave out a panicked yelp as her eyes begin glowing purple white, growing as big as hockey pucks. The power begins glowing over the whole room before enveloping her in a purple/white corona.

"Twilight," Night Light ask his daughter in concern. What is going on?

The lightning bolts thrown off let the examiners float clear of their seats, turn Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle into potted plants, and grow the little purple Dragon so large that his head and shoulders punch through the roof of the building.

Celestia was outside when this happened, seeing the transformed Dragon. She knew who could be responsible.

"So it is her." Celestia said thoughtfully as she quickly gallops into the building. Twilight could be the one after all.

Back in the lecture hall, Twilight floats on helplessly, unable to stop levitating herself as well as get her powers under control. Just then a white hoof touches her on the shoulder, making her turn.

There she is, Celestia who is smiling serenely to her. The filly finally snaps out of it, her eyes return to normal as the power breaks. All of the accidentally magic is undone with the baby Dragon returning to his infant state, smiling as he sucks peacefully on his tail.

"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia begins to say.

"I'm so sorry!" Twilight exclaims in worry, fearing the worst. Not good, the princess of Equestria is here...and she may end up rejecting her from the school...or worst, have the poor filly banished from Canterlot! She may never see Ben again! "I didn't mean to..."

Celestia interrupts Twilight, smiling as she said, "You have a very special gift. I don't think I've ever come across a unicorn with your raw abilities."

"Huh?" Twilight asked in surprise and confusion.

"But you need to learn to tame these abilities through focused study." Celestia adds with an approved smile.

"Huh?" Twilight asked even louder.

"Twilight Sparkle, I'd like to make you my own personal protege here at the school." Celestia said as well.

"Huh?" Twilight ask even louder. She can't believe what she herself is hearing. The princess of Equestria is asking her, a little filly, to become her personal protege?

"Well?"

The flabbergasted filly looks back at her parents, who nod and neigh enthusiastically, telling her to accept the offer. Then, she grinned widely before she jumped to at least four times her own height to hang in midair as she yelled excitedly, "YEEEESSSSS!!"

"One more thing, Twilight," Celestia said as she points to her, interrupting her.

"More," Twilight ask in alarm as she hits the title on her gut, knocking herself silly between the princess and her parents.

Twilight notices Celestia pointing something on her flank, making the filly turn. To her surprise and excitement, it appears to be a star cutie mark. Could it be?

"My cutie mark," Twilight exclaimed, and then, she started hopping around Celestia as she started cheering excitedly, "YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES..."

Celestia giggles a bit, "You must be very excited." The princess turns to the parents, saying, "Do not worry, Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle. I will take good care of your daughter here at the school."

"We appreciate you accepting Twilight." Twilight Velvet said with a grin. The mare turns to her daughter who calms down. "Twilight, come on. We must tell your brothers this."

"And maybe a trip to the donut shop to celebrate." Night Light said as the two ponies leave with their daughter. Twilight has been accepted, it's a dream come true.

"Later on, can I go meet Ben?" Twilight ask her parents hopefully. "I wanna tell him this as well as my answer!"

"Of course you can go meet him, dear." Twilight Velvet replied with a smile.

As the trio left, Celestia smiles upon hearing that. The Alicorn princess suspects that Twilight and Ben are becoming more than just friends.

"Perhaps when Twilight begins living at my school/castle, I should reveal the truth at last." Celestia said to herself quietly. She knew that she herself can finally tell the truth about Ben's connection to her soon.

As well as a secret that the princess been keeping to herself all these years at last.

------------

Ben was trotting on home when he almost collided with a blue filly unicorn. The annoyed filly snaps, "Hey, watch it!"

"Sorry, I don't have time, miss! I gotta get home!" Ben, without looking to see whom he ran into, exclaims. As the colt heads off, he mumbles, "Man, she sounds a bit upset. I hope that I don't run into her again."

"Ugh, that colt is a jerk." The filly unicorn known as Trixie Lulamoon groans to herself in annoyance. "Bad enough that my teacher has accepted that new purple filly as her new protégé! I hope that I don't see him again!"

Ben grins as he heads on home. Twilight and him made plans to meet after the exam so that she will explain what happened...and to give him his answer. The colt cannot wait, especially with a gift that his mother helped him picked out especially for Twilight.

"Excuse me, Ben? A word," A familiar voice spoke up. Ben turns and saw Boris and his goons approaching him.

"Go away, Boris. You aren't going to hurt me or make fun of me today." Ben said to Boris with a frown.

"Relax, my good friend. I know when to quit; Today's Twilight's exam, right?" Boris points out to Ben though the colt already saw what has happened.

"Yeah and before you say anything, don't. Twilight and I will remain friends or more even when she gets into that school or not. And if Twilight does, I'm sure that she will have time to see me somehow." Ben snaps to Boris sternly.

"Come on, the boss knows when to quit, right?" Dum-Dum remarks to Ben with a smirk, surprising the colt as a result.

"Right, I decided that I will stop trying to fight you for Twilight now since it's obvious that you two are meant to be together." Boris said to Ben with a grin. The colt looks surprised but a bit suspicious. "And to show you no hard feelings, I will help you find a way to go to the same school with her."

"What? But the school only accepts unicorns." Ben said doubtfully. "How can I be able to get in there?"

"Oh, leave everything to me. Meet me here at nightfall. Come on, I know you want to be with Twilight for all of time, right?"

Ben is puzzled but is now convinced. If Boris can make him be with Twilight all the time happen, then the colt will take that chance. Of course, Ben fails to see the evil grins on Boxco and Dum-Dum's face...

Unknown to the four, someone else is listening in and that is a certain friend of Ben's. Flash spotted him talking with Boris, Boxco and Dum-Dum for the moment. What is Ben doing, talking with those three bullies?

Once Ben leaves, Flash then overheard Boris's plans as Boris boasts, "That Ben...so gullible."

"Yeah, it would be funny to trap him in that weird cage thing in Nexus's office." Boxco remarks with a chuckle.

"And more funny when the Earth filthy gets frighten by it! And if by any chance he gets caught and in trouble...at least that will teach Ben to hang with my filly." Boris remarks sinisterly, making the hidden Flash gasps in shock.

"But what about his Pegasus colt friend," Dum-Dum ask Boris, pointing out that Flash may hear about this, especially after the warning earlier.

Boris chuckles while explaining, "Oh, I want Flash to suffer for his insolent meddling just like you do, Dum-Dum. But not in the way that you think that I want him to."

"What do you mean, Boris?" Dum-Dum asks Boris, puzzled. What is his boss talking about?

"I plan to make Sentry suffer...emotionally, as opposed to physically." Boris said with an evil chuckle of sorts. He is not only going to get back at Ben but at Flash as well for the Pegasus colt's meddling.

"Meaning," Boxco ask puzzled.

"I want Flash to live with guilt in his heart; Guilt that he failed to save his friend and guilt in the loss of his precious Sunset Shimmer." Boris remarks to his two stooges. "Granted, the latter already happened but the first one will make it 10 times worst!!"

Flash gasped in fear and worry. That bully is going to set up his best friend! Flash quickly flew off to find Ben, finding him in the training room where the Earth colt wants to stop for some training.

"Ben! Stop now!" Flash calls out to Ben, making him turn and see the Pegasi.

"Flash; what's up?" Ben asks Flash curiously.

"You're not seriously doing it, are you? You’re actually taking Boris's advice?" Flash ask Ben in concern. After everything that bully had done, his best friend is going to listen to him?

"Yeah;’ Boris's telling the truth. He wants to help me." Ben said to Flash, not sure why his pal is upset or is aware of the bully's true motives.

"Trust me, Ben. Whatever Boris's doing is not good! You can't go with him!" Flash insists to Ben in worry.

"You worried me too much. Besides, I'm not a kid anymore." Ben remarks, getting upset by Flash's tone of voice. He doesn't need the Pegasus telling him what to do anymore. “Now, excuse me, cadet. I need to meet up with Boris.”

Ben was about to leave, but Flash grabs him, exclaiming, "No! I can't let you do it!"

"What?! What are you-?!" Ben stops in realization...or in this case, jumping to the wrong conclusion. He frowns angrily while saying, "Oh! I get it now!"

"What," Flash ask Ben in alarm. He doesn't like the look on his face.

"You'd never want to help me to be with Twilight. You just pretended, so that you can make fun of me!" Ben exclaims furiously to Flash. “You’re just like everypony else from my school!”

"What the hay are you talking about?! I would never do such a thing! I'm trying to help you!" Flash insists to Ben in worry. His friend is misunderstanding the Pegasus colt's intentions here.

"Help me?! More like imprisoned me! When I need some help from you to stop me going to the school, you just ask me to do it! Is that helping?! I call it betrayal! So far, Twilight is the only pony who helped me!" Ben exclaims, making Flash back away with a hurt look on his face.

Flash groaned in anger, “Yes, I know! But Twilight wouldn’t want you to do this!”

“How do you know this?! Twilight is not your fillyfriend!” Ben snaps angrily to Flash, getting the wrong idea. “She’s mine; Never yours!”

“I didn’t say that!” Flash protest to Ben, trying to reason with his friend.

“Oh yeah; Say that to someone who lost his filly friend because of the argument you both had!” Ben scowls furiously much to Flash’s annoyance. The colt just had to go there!

“Ben! Don’t push me that! I’d never like how Sunset does something like that!” Flash insists. “I refuse to see that! She left me no choice!”

“And you want me to do something like you did?! Never,” Ben exclaims to Flash in disgust. "Here's one rule that fits for me! Never trust someone who had never be there and experienced it before."

Flash groaned, "Darn it! Will you listened?!"

"I'm done and sick of being a loser! I'm sick of me being an Earth Pony! I'm sick of you treated me like a kid. But no more! I want to be with Twilight! No one is allowed to take her away from me! No one," Ben exclaims furiously. Flash can't believe what he's hearing. His best friend is casting him out? "So, I want you to get out! That's your Prince's order!"

"But-" Flash begins to protest but Ben cuts him out angrily, not wanting to hear another word from him.

"I'd say get out, Cadet Sentry!" Ben exclaims to Flash angrily. What happens next, changes thing forever between the two best friends and made the Earth pony regret it forever.

Ben pushed Flash Sentry causing him to hit his back on the wall hard before falling to the ground. The Prince gasps in shock. He went and gone too far!

Flash groaned in pain as he glared at his former friend, "FINE! Go on! Get the worst life you ever had! See if I care!"

Flash stood from his injuries as he turned and walked away from Ben who in horror ask, “Flash; Where are you going?!”

“Duty calls. Unlike you, I don’t do something stupid.” Flash snaps furiously to Ben. Hearing that hurts the latter’s feelings, making him upset.

Ben frowns, snapping after his departing friend, “FINE! Go on! I don’t need you. I don’t even care of what life I had.”

As Flash leaves, he looks back in sadness. Ben is no longer wanting to listen to him. The Pegasus colt thought that he was going places...but now, it will all be over.

Flash sighed, "I'd always thought you'd be something special, champ; But now........ I don't know about you anymore, chump."

With that, Flash closed the door hard. Ben sighed in disappointment and upset.

His best friend is gone, leaving Ben to a fate that has already been decided...

--------

"You actually turned your back on him?" Twilight ask Ben in shock and disbelief to hear that. Ben has broken his friendship to Flash because of him listening to Boris's word over his?

"Daddy, how could you?" Nyx asked, equally as shocked as her mother.

"I know, I know...I was upset and not thinking straight." Ben said, looking down in guilt and sadness. "If only I had known what Boris was up to..."

"Looks like you and Twilight's friends got a thing in common." Spike sighs, glancing at the Mane Five. "You turned your back on the one friend who was right."

"Hey, so did you, Mr. 'Playing with Wedding Dolls'." Phobos reminds Spike with a scoff.

"Don't remind us again." Pinkie said sadly, feeling bad like the others are right now.

"Yes, that argument was the one thing that I regretted." Flash said with a sigh. "Then come Ben's transformation into that Demon Pony and Boris's word that one 'spirited him off'...."

-----------------------

"No........ It can't be........" Flash gasps in horror. Hardstone has given him the bad news: Ben is gone. Some Demon Pony took him away last night. No one knew how it happened.

"I'm sorry, son. It's the truth." Hardstone said to Flash in regret. Boris got scars on his face, that's enough for proof.

"You're lying! I don't believe it! I don't believe it! I don't believe in that stupid unicorn! I would never!" The Pegasus colt cries out in horror and grief. Flash turned and galloped away from his father.

"Flash," Hardstone calls after his son but sighs. He decided that Flash needs time to recover from this horror...and accept the fact that Ben is gone forever.

A few meters away from Canterlot Palace, Flash arrived at the location where he and Ben had played together: Skateboard Park. Flash sighed as he approached the ramp and sat on it.

Flash sighed before he sobbed in upset and angry, "DARN IT! How stupid was I?! How could I?! DARN IT!"

Ben, as the Demon Pony, was done hearing the conversation from Hoboken Joe with Twilight and her siblings. But before the hero can leave Canterlot,, he heads to the place where he and Flash had fun: the skateboard park.

The transformed one saw Flash's crying on the ramps. Ben looked down with regret and sad look as he sighs, "I'm....... really....... sorry, Flash."

Ben turned back and is about to leave. He then heard some talking.

"Ben! I know that you're alive! I don't believe that you're dead! I don't believe it! I know you're out there! One day; someday; when you come back to me, to your mother and to Twilight, I want to tell you something important. Something that I'd never had guts to admit to you since we became best friends!" The Pegasus colt cries out in pain. Ben was shocked to hear what Flash had said. The colt sobbed, "You admit that you're not strong, smart and brave as I am. But you're wrong! Because you're brave and smart when you need help from anypony to help you stand for what you believe in, not like I was! You're stronger than you think, Ben!"

Ben was more surprised of hear it from Flash who continue to sobbed, "Trust me. I know about you more than you know yourself! To be honest, Ben, you're not only my best friend, but a brother to me. I'm really grateful to have you, Ben!"

Ben was shocked as his eyes sobbed of what Flash had said. He mumbles, "As you are to me....... Flash, my brother," He then sobbed. "Thank you."

Ben then turned and left, leaving Canterlot for who knows how long.

-----------

Back in the present Pinkamena spoke, "Well Flash is almost done with his story and also I need to send a letter."

The others are puzzled as she gets up and heads to a window with a knife and a letter that she made. The mare tied it on the knife and then closes her eyes, calming herself and focuses and then grips the knife tightly. She then opens her eyes and then spins , throwing the knife at high speed as the gang watched it go until it was out of sight.

Golden Heart says, "Um sister, where is that letter going to at high speeds?"

"Well I had to in order for it to make it to the Crystal Empire." Pinkamena explains. Tthe others are puzzled again by that but she says, "No worry. It's not a threat letter but a letter to somepony but I will not say till later."

The others shrugs as she gets back to reading.

--------------

"Ben's disappearance was a major impact on me and everyone else." Flash said seriously to the ones watching. "This of course goes for Twilight who hasn't made friends since."

"Especially after what happened to Starlight," Spike said, making Twilight a bit down. "Oh, sorry."

"It’s okay, Spike; I know you didn't mean it." Twilight sighs a bit. As she cheers up, so to speak, the mare asks, "So...is that it?"

"Well, for now. I went into training but my sadness over Ben's disappearance seems to have affect my training." Flash said in concern as he goes back to the story.

------------

Soon we find Flash Sentry trying to train himself by his lonesome, but signs. It's only been 20 days since Ben vanished when he was spirited away by the Demon Pony. The poor best friend didn't know how to handle this.

"Hey, need a training partner?" Spoke another voice for Flash to turn to see Shining Armor entering.

"Who are you?" Flash asked in this being the first time that he saw Twilight's brother.

"Name Shining Armor, I'm a young Royal Guard who's wanting to protect it's ruler from harm." Shining explained himself to the little colt.

"Well, good luck with that. I know I screwed up." Flash mopes off to say while looking away to try training again.

"What do you mean?" Shining asked in sensing that something was up.

"I mean my friend was spirited away, I lost my best bud Ben." Flash explained himself while looking down.

"Ben....you mean Ben Mare that Twiley talks about?" Shining asked off in remembering the name of the missing colt.

"Yeah, that's him." Flash nods in looking surprised so this stallion was his best friend's filly friend's brother.

"I see, so you were his best friend?" Shining smiled in seeing that Flash was Ben's friend; he figured the Earth colt had another friend besides his sister & Hoboken Joe.

"Yeah I am...or maybe I was...until we let a fight ruin our friendship." Flash looked away in feeling a bit blue.

"Listen Flash, you shouldn't let a slip up get you down. You believe Ben will come back, right?" Shining came near Flash to give him some talk to encourage him.

"Well, he was spirited away." Flash spoke off in thinking about the issue.

"Well I heard words from a very wise hobo that you should not let something keep you down and keep moving forward, or else, it'll eat away at your life and make your friend sad." Shining explained in his own words, the words that Hoboken Joe helped shine light over the dark.

"Heh, a wise hobo told you that?" Flash chuckled off in hearing such words and from someone that he may have a clue who.

"Yeah, a friend of Twiley's & Ben, Hobo Joe; You know, it's thanks to him that my sister isn't gonna let Ben's disappearance ruin her." Shining explained the manner of how it's thanks to such words, his sister won't let this matter ruin her life, so it should work for Flash too.

"Hugh, you know....I heard we just hired him around the castle." Flash raised an eyebrow in recalling that they have Hobo Joe in their castle, he was invited to work there from Ben's kindness in making his dream come true.

"Maybe we can see him, you both seem to hold much belief that Ben isn't gone. Be it the wise of the old or the young at heart, you both have beliefs." Shining suggest they see Hobo Joe, seeing that an old hobo stallion & a young eager colt knew that they should not fill their hearts with doubt and believe that Ben Mare is not gone & he will return.

Flash was thinking for a moment before he crack a smile.

"Thanks Shining, and you know what, I think you'll make a great Royal Guard. Maybe you'll make captain." Flash smiled off in giving thanks while saying something of the guy's future in the Royal Guard.

"Hehn, I'll be lucky if I land such a job. Your dad will have me working real hard if he wants to get me up there." Shining Armor rolled his eyes to laugh off the idea that he'll be captain of the guard...if Flash's father doesn't kill him from the training.

Both ponies let loose a laugh at each other, and thus began their own friendship in their work.

-------------

"Well, thanks to Shining, I recovered and do my best to move on." Flash said with a grin, Ben smiles to hear that his best friend has indeed recovered from his disappearance. "Of course, I still miss Ben, wondering where he was but my pal would've wants me to move on."

"Obviously," Ben said with a smirk.

"I manage to become a great and well known Royal Guard, especially when my dad retired a few years later. I deal with a few crises here and there, especially when it comes to some missions. Then, one day, something changed my life for the better...a Demon Pony, the one I thought that took Ben, appeared in Canterlot, causing trouble. Of course, I couldn't assist due to some training I was doing."

"And Ben shows up, right?" Pinkie asks with a smile. Flash smiles back before nodding, "Thought so!"

--------------------

At this moment, Flash Sentry was busy training himself extra hard, as he's now a grown up stallion, wearing armor like the real Royal Guard. At this time, he is busy training to make himself strong. He's been told that if he does well on the next few task of being a Royal Guard, he may be given a promotion to work with Princess Candace. Flash was assigned to help some Royal Guards handle a loose Hydra that was almost about to leave Froggy Bottom Bog because it saw a pony steal something from it which was rare herbs for medicine and it really had an issue of not letting go such an act, and all Royal Guards including Flash had to deal with that before returning home after other events happened during the anniversary of Ben Mare's disappearance. Just as he was working out, somepony came opening the big doors.

"Sorry, I'm a bit busy right now, can you guys come back later? I promise to leave this room after a few more workouts." Flash Sentry spoke off in telling whoever was here, like the guards, that he's using the area.

"Really Flash, you're still training this hard? And here I thought you wanted to talk about old times." Spoke a strange male voice in making a sly sarcastic claim, but the tone & statement sounded familiar.

Suddenly, Flash Sentry stops his training with wide eyes, that voice pattern sounded too much like; but it couldn't be, could it? He turns around to see a pony that Flash thought he was imagining, brown stallion who's appearance reminded the guy of Ben Mare came in, the features were so perfect, it's like the colt that was spirited away by the Demon Pony has return.

"Ben.....Ben Mare? Is that really you, and not some illusion by one of the guards to fool me?" Flash Sentry asked in dropping his weapon in gasping in shock; was that truly his long lost friend?

"Now why would I go and lie to you about a thing like that?" Ben smiled off in saying some words that would trigger something here.

Those very words sent Flash Sentry to gasp in surprise; no other pony knows how to say those words of his perfectly except for the colt Ben Mare. The sound of that voice was not lying, he could tell, the eyes were real, were not false illusion tricks, which meant for an absolute reason: this was the real lost pony that has return.

"Oh man! It is you! That pattern could never be spoken out by any guard except by the real true deal. I can't believe it! You came back! But how," Flash came up to hug Ben in a big grip before letting him go in asking so many questions of where his friend has been all this time.

"It's....a long, very complicating story. And if you're too busy, then...." Ben was saying it's a long story and Flash seem busy, maybe he tells later, but....

"Ben, I can put aside my entire guard duty for this one day off just to finally hang with my best friend now return!" Flash exclaimed he have all the time in the world with a day from not seeing a friend he believed he lost over the years.

"Alright, let’s talk like old times." Ben nods with a smile as they began to have their chat like old times.

"Ben! I knew that you're alive! I knew it! I knew that you're not dead. I'd never lose faith in you." Flash laughs excitedly that his friend is alive after all these years.

Flash and Ben hugged, the latter ask, "You sure?"

Flash smile as he repeats the same words that the Pegasus told Ben a few times before, "Now why would I lied to you when we're good friends?"

Soon the two friends were having their chat. Flash heard that in truth, Ben was the Demon Pony, how he's been on the run, how he returned back, then was hunted by Royal Guards with Twilight's Mane Six group, then the actions with Boris the so-called 'Hero of Canterlot' joining. Flash pointed off that after so many years of gaining popularity and making a new image after Ben claw the guy, all those that knew Boris's 'true' jerk nature weren't fooled when he became a famous hunter in Canterlot and his fame was done in fooling the citizens. But the most incredible part was when Boris knew about turning Ben into the Demon Pony, how he got a Forbidden Spell that swapped talents of other ponies that created the Red Devil's Sun that turn their worst bully into a powerful villain who would be on pair or even stronger than the Royal Sisters. All seem lost, but from Ben's determination, with the aid of Nyx, who somehow regain her Nightmare Moon power, managed to beat Boris, only to be caught off guard in being shot with an item to kill Ben. During a last ditch effort, Ben kicked Boris's face up while Nyx as Nightmare Moon fired a powerful Unicorn Burst that broke the foe's horn & destroyed the Red Devil's Sun, as a drawback was that the summoner would be pulled into the Void, where Boris is now trapped in. And when Ben seem to have timed, the necklace he gave Twilight: Necklace Of Eternal, granted a hopeful magical light that revived Ben & revert Nyx to her filly form, and then a greater miracle occurred that the raining light gave back their wings & horns that were taken from them. And thus, what was a story of mystery came to a happy ending, and Flash Sentry absorb all that in amazement that it all happened and he was not there to witness it.

"So that's what happened? Boris lied to everypony about your disappearance? I knew the guy was lying, but he had too good an alibi." Flash Sentry was looking mad in about ready to explode at a given minute. "And to hear Boris did all that to unicorns & Pegasus of robbing their horns & wings to become some powerful Red Devil Pony, gotta say, I'm even more surprised you fought up against him as a real monster no pony else could beat when you were too scared to face him as a normal colt." Flash was angry, but surprise that when all seem lost that none could beat Boris when he gain the powers of being a Red Devil, that it was Ben that went to face such a dangerous foe.

"I had to face him, he gone too far & was driven to a mad point. Plus, I couldn't let him take Twilight away or hurt anypony else." Ben replied off that he had to do it, cause if not, those he cared for would have been lost, and that would have made him more lonely.

"Still, what shocked me the most was hearing how you got shot in the back and died right there." Flash Sentry issued off in also not believing what happened to his pal, being killed right there in battle. "Even if Boris was sealed in the Void, I hunt him down even to the ends of Tartarus, just to make that power-hungry jerk pay." He felt so mad that the Pegasus stood up to fly and was zooming around doing combat moves in what he do to chase Boris even to the ends of Equestria.

"You really go that far for me?" Ben asked stun that Flash would go to such a distance, all for him.

"Dude, I thought you were dead once already, if I learn you were the Demon Pony & killed again, of course I do something that stupid. That's what best friends are for." Flash exclaimed that he go that far for a friend, cause friends don't desert friends. "Still, glad to see you are alive, and back to your normal self. And something else on you, your Cutie Mark. May not know what it is, but I'm sure it means something special about you I always knew." Flash smiled in being happy that in the end, Ben was saved, cured of his curse, and received a Cutie Mark unlike any other that holds some special means.

"Thanks Flash, that means a lot." Ben smiles to nod in seeing & hearing how much Flash cares for him.

"Ben...... Listen, I'm sorry for what I had said; I -!"

"Listen, Flash; I'm the one who should say sorry for not listening to you. If I had, I would have Twilight with me together."

Flash smiles, speaking, "I guess we both regret the things we do."

Ben sighed, "Yeah. You're still mad at me?"

Flash smiled, shaking his head while answering, "Never. I'm just glad you're safe and home to us."

"Yes, we are, brother." The Earth colt said. Both Flash and Ben hugged while sobbed in joy and happiness. Once they let go, Celestia's son continues, "Listen, I'm gonna be preparing to pack my things and live with Twilight in Ponyville. It's where she belongs, and so do I." Ben stated that he'll need to get ready, cause he'll be going with Twilight & her group back to Ponyville, now that the whole Demon Pony event is resolved.

"I understand, and don't worry, we'll see each other again, that's a promise." Flash smiles in saying he's cool with what Ben's doing, cause no matter where they are, they'll be best friends; always.

Soon the two buds decided to walk out of the room, wanting to chat while Ben had to prepare. Cause now Flash would help his best friend pack while explaining how Flash has had his own little adventures while always believing Ben would return. And thus the two were very much happy that they came back together again....may have taken a few years, but worth the wait when friends don't give up on friends when they need to believe.

----------

"And thus, things has come to a circle." Blazefist said with a smile. Flash has finally finished his story of his reunion with Ben.

"Yeah; Granted, I wish I would've hang out with Ben more but I was busy with my duties and all that. But I did pop in to speak with him now and again. I didn't meet Twilight officially until that time in the Crystal Empire." Flash remarks, then chuckles a bit. "Or so I've thought."

"Wow, dang, that's story is awesome." Scootaloo remarks in amazement.

"Yeah, I give it four squees!" Sweetie exclaims, squeeing four time, "And one more for the hay of it," She squees again.

"Yeah, amazing," Iris Heart Shield said, impressed.

"Who knew that story got so drama in it?" Ace Swift ask impressed.

"Yeah, it's okay." Midnight Moonlight remarks with a shrug, making some of the ponies look at him. "What? It is."

"You know, I wonder what would happen if the Mystic Ponies got involved back then." Laxtinct remarks with a light chuckle. "Something cool I bet ."

"Now now, Laxtinct, you know we can't flank in because of the rules back then." Aquastroke gently scolds Laxtinct, making him frown especially when it involves him being treated like a colt in front of everyone, "Silly colt."

"Don't do that."

The others laugh in amusement, especially Ben and Flash. How funny to see that happened!

----------------------

The scene opens to the training hall in Canterlot where those in the Royal Guard train to protect their rulers, be it Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Twilight or even Ben Mare. And speaking of which, we find two old buddies entering the training grounds where it was like an open courtyard filled with training & obstacle courses. Tall pillars and walls, you name it, the test of speed, endurance, skill, you name it, the Types only unicorns & Pegasus ponies go under to be in tip-top shape. The gang, after the story telling, decided to come here to visit.

“Ah, this place holds memories.” Flash Sentry smiles in seeing some old familiar scenery rom long ago.

“Really, I thought you told me these things were so exhausting, you were lucky to survive them.” Ben smiled off to make a comment in recalling how this training was hard on his buddy.

“Cut me some slack, I was a young colt going at the big leagues.” Flash Sentry issued off in feeling like he deserves a break, not every pony can handle basic training to be a Royal Guard, especially at a young colt’s age.

“Right, like you needed a break, from getting a break of this training.” Ben rolled his eyes in stating what Flash was trying to say in a rhetorical manner of speaking.

Soon both stallions were laughing it off as a funny joke that neither felt angry or upset, it was just their buddy way of talking. Soon the laughter dies down a bit for them to catch their breaths over the area with their own train of thoughts.

“Hey Ben, how about we train together like old times?” Flash Sentry spoke off with a bright idea that he just came up with.

“Really; you sure you wanna go hoof-to-hoof with me?” Ben asked with a raised eyebrow of such an idea.

“I know you got more skill after your unlocking the Triforce within you to the Master Sword awakening. Even know that you trained with Chase.” Flash Sentry stated in knowing all the things Ben’s gone through in what he’s achieved since the days they were colts to his best bud’s return from being the exile Demon Pony with so many crazy adventures afterwards. “Come on pal, when was there a time we did some workout, just the two of us?” He asked off that it’s been a long time; it’s time Ben & Flash have a little friendly competition to test each other.

“I admit, I miss that Flash, but Chase has been helpful.” Ben shrugs off to say in missing such days, but he’s getting some good teachings from another stallion.

“Despite my sense of warning you of something fishy about him,” Flash Sentry rolled his eyes to remind Ben that there is something about Chase that doesn’t sit well with the Royal Guard and he might be close to being right unless he gets hard evidence for facts.

“Yeah, I get that you kinda don’t trust him.” Ben rubbed the back of his neck in seeing Flash feels that Chase is hiding something, only a few warriors the stallion knows say that Chase the Warrior isn’t what he seems to be; but what it is hasn’t arisen yet.

“Still, why don’t we see whose better to help train you?” Flash Sentry smiles to change the sorrow subject into a more interesting part. “How about if I win , we’re training buddies, you win …eh, you can train whoever you want to. How’s it sound?” He spoke this off as a matter of what happens in who gets to win and calls the shots from here.

Ben was in thought of what Flash was requesting of him, sure Flash is an the Royal Guard, and he’s been on a good terms of fighting to be like Private Kenny; which that guy was lucky to survive against death-defying odds. Both Royal Guard members were good to be about as close to terms of fighting pair with Shining Armor who was Captain before he became the married ruler of Princess Cadance of the Crystal Empire. Ben knows he has mastered some bits of his Triforce magic & awakens some items & weapons, but he’s far from being perfect. After much time to think, Ben looked to Flash’s eyes in coming to terms with himself.

“Well, I suppose cutting loose isn’t a complete bad idea, just as long as we try to not go overboard.” Ben shrugs off his shoulders in feeling game to join in now.

“Deal, now let’s take our positions.” Flash Sentry spoke to where the two BFFs shake the wager with their hooves to seal the deal.

Soon the two stallions turnabout face to march across a few good pastes away from the other. And they soon were a good distance meter away before turning to look at each other like respected opponents.

“Ready?” Flash called out in wanting to make sure Ben was ready for this.

“Ready!” Ben replied back in being ready when Flash Sentry is here.

Both fighters were standing by, Flash Sentry brought out a beam sword saber as Ben summoned his Master Sword. Two friends were keeping their sharp gaze on who be the first to make a move here. A single leaf fell and made contact with a birdbath and that single disturbance set things into motion.

“HRUUUAARRGHHHH,” Both Ben & Flash made loud battle cries as they were now charging at the other with the attitude of no-holds bar here.

At the moment, the scene shows Twilight’s group walking down a hall in discussing things about what they have learned about Ben & Flash’s past history together. It certainly is funny how there are always two or three different sides of a story told about another pony’s life. Twilight knew that from when both her brother Shining Armor & Cadance told about their lives & how they came to be together. The story about Ben have only been told from Twilight’s view, Ben’s view, even Flash’s view on where and what event took place.

"Gotta say, the story of friendship is 100% awesome," Rainbow exclaims with a smile. "Who knew those two got one intense foal hood together?"

"Oh yes, I agree." Fluttershy said in agreement while smiling, "Twilight?"

"I was concerned about Sunset Shimmer. I mean, if only Flash had told me about her even after my memory loss...you think I would've helped her?" Twilight ask her friends in concern.

"Shoot, Sunset chose 'dat path herself." Applejack commented. Then she thinks better, "Actually, it was 'de Superior who did 'de driving but still..."

“Clash-Clash,” Then noise of sword clashing is heard that broke the group having a conversation to realize something else was going on.

“Goodness! What is that?” Rarity yelps to gasp in hearing what sounds like the clashing of blades.

“Sounds like sword fighting’ ta me,” Applejack spoke with a serious face in recognizing the sound of some pony fighting another.

“It’s coming from the training ground for the Royal Guards.” Twilight points off to her friends in locating where the source came from, having known her way around Canterlot.

Later, the Mane Six group arrive near a balcony to look out and below in what they could witness. Flash Sentry was seen using his skills as a Pegasus in being as quick & agile as Rainbow Dash in flying by the use of his wings, but his strength by his muscles & training as a Royal Guard with use of weapons in combat made him be almost an equal opponent. Ben is seen wielding his Master Sword & Hylian Shield to attack & defend, but it looks like Flash Sentry has been doing lots of training to be about as good as any skill fighter from those that have fought hard against their enemies.

“Oh dear, why are Ben & Flash fighting?” Fluttershy yelps with worry, why are two best friends who shared a past together now suddenly going at it almost like they are enemies?

“Wait, could it be…..THEY’RE FIGHTING FOR THE LOVE OF TWILIGHT!” Pinkie Pie slowly and then loudly announced a sudden truth to the matter of why in Equestria two best friends are fighting; is it over a mare?

“Hugh?” The others responded with the upmost puzzled, lost, and confused expressions on their faces. Was the pink pony here even serious about that claim before it took two seconds to rethink what Pinkie just theorized.

“No wait, never mind. It’s some random thought about two different ponies from different realities of where some think either one should be Twilight’s lover.” Pinkie Pie spoke off in terms of Breaking the Fourth Wall of what she just even said while ever being a mystery to the gang.

“Again Pinkie Pie, you’re so random.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in seeing her pink friend was being a little random, especially now.

“But they sure are going at it.” Spike stated from looking down to seeing how much Ben & Flash are duking it out.

“Yeah, looky at Flashy-boy; He’s doing as well as Ben does when he fights!” Phobos points off in how well one stallion is doing against Ben who is supposed to be even tougher.

“Hey mommy, do you think maybe they’re doing some friendly training workout cause they’re old friends?” Nyx looked to her mother in asking a thought of why Ben & Flash are trying to fight so hard.

“Seeing that’s about the only thing that doesn’t sound as crazy as Pinkie Pie’s idea….I say; yes.” Twilight slowly stated from thinking that was the lonely logic that was not as crazy as Pinkie’s claim of them boys fighting over her; that’s just silly.

And now back to the two stallions that are dueling, Ben was just throwing his Gale Boomerang that created mini-tornados. But Flash was able to zip across the attack to land a strike, which Ben used his Hylian Shield. But the charge tackle did let Flash skid Ben across the field while it was surprising that Ben didn’t drop his guard. Ben switched tackles to try to use his Clawshots, they were a good plan, but they can’t catch what moves quickly & goes too far away which Flash was capable of doing. Flash then used some guard move of flapping his wings near some sand dunes to create a dust cloud that blocked the vision of his pal before diving in for another tackle; Only for Flash to immediately abandon that plan when Ben almost squashed him from swinging his Megaton Hammer with his Golden Gauntlets to help the stallion left the heavy hammer. Ben recalled his hammer to wield his sword and shield as Flash flapped nearby, both were about even.

“Gotta say Ben, I’m amazed I’m able to keep up with you.” Flash Sentry smiles in never guessing he could now be able to compete with his strong pal who wields the Triforce Element.

“So am I. Man, you must have put in some extra training to make me bring out some of my weaponry.” Ben smiled off in seeing Flash is getting him worked up to bring out more weapons & items that he can call upon.

“You’re getting stronger every day and I don’t wanna miss out on the action. After all, I vowed to help you out, and what sorta Royal Guard can’t even protect a royal member of the family or even his best pal if that pony is stronger than me?” Flash Sentry explained himself that he wants to help protect Ben from any threat, and what sorta guard can’t protect his future king if that guy is stronger.

“Well then you best keep up, otherwise, you won’t know if you don’t try.” Ben smiled off to say while seemingly getting himself ready for another round of their training workout.

Soon the training duel continues, and boy is it looking like either side could hold the advantage. Flash Sentry seems to show some good swordsmanship combined with his own muscle strength & gift of flying; But Ben was not out of tricks yet as he was far from being counted out…especially at this moment.

“Frsuvhmmm….” Suddenly, Ben’s Triforce Mark on his flank glows much to his unknown moment, but felt this sudden trigger moment meant one thing; an awakening of something for him to unlock. “Wrsuvfruvhmm…” And then something appeared at the bottom of the stallion’s feat in a glow of light before it faded and everyone saw what Ben was either wielding or wearer. They appear to be simple brown leather boots , acting as foot or hoof protectors for the wear.

“Hugh, that’s new, and yet….ordinary.” Flash responded a bit surprised on both accounts in not expecting a new trick from Ben, though the look seem…plain. “What are those Ben?” He asked his pal if he knew what it was the stallion was wearing.

“I think the Triforce of Wisdom is clueing me in.” Ben responded to use his connection to his Triforce Element and learn about the things from Wisdom about these boots that he’s wearing. “These are called Kokiri Boots, it seems they were the main footwear for the Hero of Time, but now I guess they’re split into four instead of two for me.” Ben explained that these boots were personal belongings to Link long ago, it’s nice and all, but was this truly all Ben awaken to use.

“So, anything else or are they plain boots for hoof wear?” Flash asked in pondering if those boots are even special or not.

“How about you try to charge tackle me, and I’ll show you a surprise.” Ben smiled off in stating that the two can find out if these boots got any worth to them.

Flash seemed a bit hesitant that he knows never to judge a boot by its cover, but he won’t know the extent of Ben’s newly unlocked item unless he takes a chance; which he did in charging at the stallion. Then without warning, Ben’s boots seem to glow by magic before they suddenly vanished in now replacing the boots with something new or different about them. They were iron clad silver, tan-yellow bronze style boots. “Bashfruvhmm….” Soon as Flash clash his beam sword on Ben’s Hylian Shield, instead of him pushing his opponent back, Ben was actually standing his ground. And then the stallion used his strength to knock Flash backwards, catching everyone by surprise.

“How’d you do that? Last time, I was able to push you back.” Flash questioned in remembering how he pushed Ben who used his shield, but this time, it was different.

“These boots are more special because they can gain properties of other special boots the Hero of Time worn. Like these Iron Boots.” Ben smiles in explaining the concept of these boots he wore and what the new ones that he brought out are. “They can make me be very heavy, so even forces of wind current blows or enemy tackles won’t knock me down. Heck, I can almost jump to flatten or deliver the hurt to the enemies and even walk along walls and ceilings using magnetic forces.”

“Seems pretty nice, but judging from those boots , don’t seem very much like intuitive item seem to impede movement on land.” Flash Sentry noticed that the heavy iron maybe good, but without enough training, they’ll only be slow weights.

“Then you best stand clear!” Ben issued this off as far warning, cause he’s about to come at his best pal.

Now Ben was soon rushing off while wearing his Iron Boots as they made heavy stomping sounds for each step. Flash quickly forged a plan and then zip across with his wings to lead Ben near a running board. Flash flew up that he reached the top of a high pillar and looked down to see how Ben could reach him. But as the Earth pony was just about to rush up the walkway, the boots glowed again before changing in the bright light to appear differently again. They look like brown leather boots which actually have been fitted with gold work & features small, decorative wings on the heels, similar to the sandals of Hermes, the Greek messenger god. And when Ben rushed up the ramp, he was seen running across glowing steps that his boots touched and this left everyone stun speechless while approaching Flash’s spot.

“Woah,” Flash had to quickly get out of the way before Ben even managed to land a hit as the Royal Guard flew a bit higher, “What the? I knew you could fly, but I didn’t see you active your magic. How’d you pull that off?” He knows Ben uses his Triforce Magic that made him levitate off the ground, but there was no signs of that; was it perhaps the work of Ben’s other new boots ?

“With these things, they’re called: Hover Boots .” Ben introduces his next new boots that gave him a surprising ability much like his own flying by magic, but different. “These things allow me to hover across gaps, letting me walk on thin air and hover over water. Thereby letting me cross otherwise impassible pitfalls. They help reduce my weight, which they’ll prevent me from sinking into quick sands, weight-sensitive platforms and, in rare cases, allow me to foil certain pressure-sensitive traps.” Ben explained his boots in how they work for him, and boy do they sound like Ben’s second pair of wings while being wingless.

Soon Ben was trying to run after Flash, course what could be seen was that they deny friction & provide little traction, making running quite a task. So Flash saw a way he could stop Ben who ran across the air by using his wings to blow lots of wind that was easily blowing Ben back a bit.

“Gotta say that surprised me, but I think that surprise was only a moment,” Flash Sentry smiled off in seeing that while Ben had the edge, he’s figure out that stunt.

“Yeah, and I think these Hover Boots sorta were connected to me hovering off the ground, just differently I guess.” Ben stated in feeling that when he first felt like hovering off the ground, the Hover Boots must have kicked in secretly for the stallion. “But you better watch out cause here’s my next trick.” He then reached over to pull something out, and it was… “This feather,” He shows a blue feather for his best friend to see it.

“And whose feather is that?” Flash Sentry asked off in not knowing whose feather that belongs to.

“Rainbow’s feather; when we left after telling our story, it fell off and I picked it up,” Ben stated in explaining how he came across Rainbow Dash’s feather. “At first, it may seem like nothing, but when I used Wisdom to see about these special boots , I discovered a third pair which this feather can help me out.” He smiles in realizing something else these boots can do and it will also take the feather of his fast flier friend to do it.

Soon Ben placed the feather in the feather heel part of the boots , and they suddenly glowed brightly from another new magic that awakened. Then in the next moment, Ben was seen dashing at high speeds, and soon tackled Flash who was caught unprepared and they even broke through some wooden boards. When Flash was getting his bearings, he saw what Ben’s new boots were. They look like brown leather boots which actually have been fitted with silver work & features small, along the decorative wings on the heels, they are similar to the sandals of Hermes, the Greek messaged god. They almost looked like the Hover Boots, but different.

“Meet the Pegasus Boots . They’ll give me incredible speed to dash, even perform Dash Attacks, like you just witnessed. They’re like my Triforce Charge technique, but now I just boosted its effects.” Ben explained what his next latest boots can do, and boy do they provide him with fast movements. With these boots, he’ll dash at high speeds, the increased speed will allow him to bash into various objects, and greater speed to jump distances.

“Hugh…hugh….gotta hand it to you Ben. I didn’t see that coming.” Flash was seen panting from almost being tired out; Ben’s really giving him a workout here. “Hugh, but I know one way that you can’t get me with any of those boots . High in the skies and at a far distance,” He smiled in figuring out one last trick he can pull off and not get caught.

Soon Flash Sentry took to the skies to keep zooming around to never stay low while Ben knew that he had a problem. Ben summoned his Hero’s Bow to take aim, but he could not get a clear enough shot, especially from his eyesight not being so good.

“Man, even with the Hero’s Bow, I can’t knock him out. If only I…” Ben was in the middle of debating his mind when an idea came to him. “Wait, maybe if I focus hard enough, ‘it’ could appear, the item Chase said could help me in this field. That which could act like a scope & help with my aim,” Ben remembered what Chase the Warrior told him, there is an item to help him out, and it was….one he has yet to summon. “Concentrate….” He mutters to himself to focus solely in calling forth the object in himself.

“Prrusvhmmmm…./Frsuvhmmm….” Suddenly, the Triforce Mark glows and then magically appearing in Ben’s hold was something new. An object shaped like the face of a hawk mask of bronze, silver & gold color designs. Ben could only smile in realizing what he has now; That which acts like a pair of binoculars when used by itself, but when conjured with his Hero’s Bow, the object acts as a scope, turning the Bow into a potent & long-ranged sniping weapon.

“Yes! The Hawkeye Mask! Now to see how this thing can do for me.” Ben proclaimed in now having that which can help him out with his distance of targeting enemies or foes far away.

Now Ben combined his bow & the Hawkeye to which it’s effective at targeting & dispatching enemies will prove extra useful. As Ben aimed his bow, he saw where Flash stopped and fired an Ice Arrow that gave his bud the chills to suddenly begin to drop. Fortunately, Flash was warmed up before he touched the ground, but soon saw Ben aim his bow to Flash’s position, almost ending their training duel.

“Okay, okay, I give, I give. You win.” Flash Sentry held up his hooves in saying he gives up, which Ben lowered his weapon. “Hugh, gotta admit when I’m beat and I was really trying hard there Ben.” He smiled off in seeing that Ben beat him, and the Pegasus was close.

“I know Flash, you gave it your best shot, and that’s all I can ask. And you know, it’s from you that helped me unlock these four new items.” Ben smiles to say Flash did a good job on his own and even quoted something of importance.

“Really, why do you say that?” Flash asked off lost in what he do that helped Ben unlock his new items.

“Cause like the Kokiri Boots , I was seen ordinary, nothing special. But you were the one to make me begin to stand strong, like the Iron Boots. Lift up my spirit like the Hover Boots. And had me go after my dreams, like the Dash Boots,” Ben spoke in explaining a certain basic term about how his boots were something of his old self before earning new things to be a part of him. “Heck, the Hawkeye Mask may even help me look to the distance to never lose sight of things I care for. So even thought this was just to train, I wanna say thanks; you’re a good friend to have helped me out.” He held out his hoof in wanting Flash to shake it from knowing that without his best friend, Ben’s life would not have grown to be better than his old sly self.

“You mean it Ben?” Flash Sentry asked with hope in hearing this right, was Ben for real?

“Now why would I go and lie to you about that? Besides, be it with you or with Chase, if I’m ever in trouble, I can count on your help.” Ben rolled his eyes to issue that no matter who he’s training with, him & Flash will always be BFFs since they were little colts, that will never change; and if the prince needs help, then one brave Royal Guard can be there to help a friend out.

Soon both stallions were laughing it up in seeing this helps settle a happy moment. The Mane Six watched with smiles in seeing two things that happened: Ben unlocked four new items from his Triforce, and that Ben & Flash’s friendship is seen to be very strong, nothing could destroy such a close connection the two stallions hold.

"Well, looks like Ben got more stronger than the moment." Rarity said happily.

"Yeah, let's go congratulate, daddy." Nyx giggles as she gallops over to Ben and Flash, "Daddy! Uncle Flash!"

"Oh, Nyx. Girls," Ben said, spotting the Mane Six, Spike and Phobos approaching. "Didn't see you come in."

"So you two weren't fighting over Twilight! So happy," Pinkie giggles, making Ben and Flash a bit confused.

"Best not to ask," Rainbow remarked, laughing a bit, "Can't believe you got my feather."

"Hey, I could use it to jump," Ben remarks, laughing a bit. "Oh wait, that's a Roc."

"Rocks are too heavy to jump!" Pinkie exclaims, making the others roll their eyes.

"Not 'rock', 'Roc'."

But unknown to the others, Chase was seen hidden the in the shadows from watching that battle of Ben Mare & Flash Sentry. Chase counted the awakening of the Hawkeye Mask since it was clear the stallion would come to claim it soon from the hard training. But what Chase found surprising was that Ben had the Iron & Hover Boots , all rolled into the Kokiri Boots, and that the discovery of the Pegasus Boots that gave more speed was awaken from one fast flying Pegasus (even when once being Dragon Hope, he didn’t know of this).

“He’s getting closer to being stronger. There aren’t many of the other hidden items & weapons left; he’ll eventually be near to unlock the Lens of Truth.” Chase silently spoke to himself in paying close attention to what he just witnessed Ben being able to do now; he’s getting closer to which he’ll unlock the item to expose the illusion to show Shadow Dragon under the alias of Chase. “I’ll have to keep a closer eye on him, Ben even acquired something that I never knew much about. He may almost surpass me….unless we get him first.” He spoke to hold his chin in knowing that the Dark Mystics will need to get Ben on their side or the stallion may prove to be more powerful than given credit for. “Let’s see how far your friendship can get you, Ben Mare.” He silently spoke in seeing Ben & Flash speaking to Twilight’s group from being amazed by what was seen.

Soon Chase vanished in the shadows after getting what he came to see. Course during the moment, Private Kenny was in the area when he saw what looked like some pony hiding in the shadows, only to vanish afterwards.

“Hugh? What was that?” Private Kenny pondered from never seeing that, but still, he felt suspicious that he should report any suspicious activities. “Well it’s gone, but best I tell Princess Celestia & Princess Luna of some stranger that was watching Prince Ben & Flash Sentry.” With that in mind, Private Kenny then makes his way to the Royal Chambers of the Royal Sisters. If this was one of the enemies targeting Equestria, etc., then any detail must be accounted for, even if he doesn’t know who or WHAT he saw, Private Kenny has his duty to perform.

Private Kenny kept on running as fast as he can. Before he could do anything, Private Kenny received bites on his head. The Royal Guard swoop it off. Kenny felt his head swirling and dizzy. Confused, he ask, "What the...... What happen....... What am I supposed to do again?"

From distance and away from Canterlot's Royal Guard Training, Deadblast smirked as he looked at Crimson Skull who doesn't look amused. Deadblast scoffed, "At least that takes care of it. Thanks to our A Day Memory Erased Potion."

"Too close. Otherwise, our plans could have gotten out of hooves." Crimson Skull said with a frown. The last thing he wants is for some interloper to ruin everything!

"That'll be one of Dark Curse's plans."

Crimson Skull smiled, chuckling, "Indeed . When the time comes, when the Superior and Dark Curse gave the word, we may begin the Operation Serum Creations."

Deadblast remarks in amusement, "I'm surprised that Grimmore didn't realize that everything Dark Curse did to him was to annoy him and make him think that we tried to kill him when we actually perform something special power for the Superior since his papa visit the boss of ours."

Crimson Skull slapped Deadblast's head, scowling, "Silence! That would ruin the surprise."

"Ouch. Okay, got it, boss."

"Let us leave. Await till the right moment to strike."

Both Crimson Skull and Deadblast disappeared in darkness as they walked back towards to the forests' shadows. The Dark Mystic Ponies and their allies will continue hiding...for now.

The End for now

Cast list
Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry, Prince Blueblood
Jason Marsden: Ben Mare/Demon Pony, Chase the Warrior/Shadow Dragon
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia
Mark Wahlberg: Lieutenant Hardstone
Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash, Applejack
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Pinkamena Diane Pie
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity
Cathy Weseluck: Spike the Dragon
Daveigh Chase: Nyx
Chris Sanders: Phobos the Dragon
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeline Peters: Scootaloo
Andrew Francis: Shining Armor, Blaze Leo
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance
Crispin Freeman: Boris
James Arnold Taylor: Boxco
Richard Steven Horvitz: Dum-Dum
David Faustino: Blazefist
P.J. Byrne: Laxtinct
Janet Verney: Aquastroke (Aqua)
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Roger Craig Smith: Bladestrike
Malcolm McDowell: MechaStahl
Sean Pertwee: Houndkiller
Chris Fairbank: Metric
Greg Ellis: Valmort
Latham Gaines: Dark Curse
Tim Curry: The Superior

With special voice appearances by
Orlando Bloom: Golden Heart
Peter Capaldi: Michael Trotter
Emma Watson: Flare Tiger
Dionne Quan: Iris Heart Shield
Sean Schemmel: Ace Swift
Scott McNeil: Midnight Moonlight
Matthew Broderick: Comet Star
Sam Riegal: Hoboken 'Hobo' Joe
Peter New: Juniper Berry
Kathleen Barr: Trixie Lulamoon
Chris Cox: Deadblast
Liam O'Brien: The Crimson Skull
Frank Welker: Private Kenny

Author's Note:

Wow, very awesome. What do you folks think? I'm glad to finally get this done. All right, time to return to the timeline with the next MLP: FIM fic...

"Granny Smith's Walk: MLP FIM version of the So Weird episode Widow Walks: Granny Smith who waited fifty years to see her boyfriend wishes she were young horse in her early 20's again… and ends up switching ages with Applejack when Applejack wishes to be old enough to have the same privileges as Big Mac but end up as an elderly aged mare."

Until next time folks, read, review and suggest.

The scenes with Sunset Shimmer (minus the one with the Superior) can be seen the MLP: FIM annual involving the Equestria Girls prequel.

Ben's argument with Flash has references to 'Disney's Hercules' and 'The Emperor's New Groove'.

The items gained by Ben are (with the exception of Rainbow's feather) from the Legend of Zelda games

Comments

[Aurora Dimmet]

4334315

I am a black man living in the South. I support this message. I also like that Flash Sentry was compared with the KKK. Celestia bless you.

[Aurora Dimmet]

4335219

Ben? BEN DROWNED.
"You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?"

[Toonwriter]

4352559 HE DID NOT. Stop making fun of him.

[Aurora Dimmet]

4352699

Newbiecake, much? May be creepypasta from before you were born.

[Toonwriter]

4353042 That's it. I'm blocking you for your total rudeness.

[Aurora Dimmet]

4353064

Hoho, sensitive much? A friendly ribbing after you stuck your nose in somewhere it didn't belong and you have the nerve to act offended? How terribly gauche. Well, nothing lost on my end. Don't know or care about you aside from the mild amusement you provided me with in regards to your over-the-top antics and immaturity.

[DAMN HAMSTER]

4353064 That's really mature of you. Do your parents know you're on the internet?

[Toonwriter]

4365882 I am an adult and I can use the net whenever I want to, thank you very much.

[DAMN HAMSTER]

4353076 You're expecting a bit much from this "author" in my opinion.

[DAMN HAMSTER]

4365888 Judging from your response to that post(s), I'd say you were a child using the internet while your parents were away. Go ahead and block me. I know you're gonna do it.

[Toonwriter]

4365898 You are a total liar. My parents DO let me use the net. You have no right making fun of me as is. I do not tolerate people insulting JusSonic's work at all, and I especially do not tolerate people treating me like a little kid, which I am not anymore. In fact, that makes me wonder one thing. Are you a critic or a cyberbully?

Judging your posts that make fun of me, I think you're definitely a cyberbully, posing as a critic and doing a very bad job at it.

[DAMN HAMSTER]

4365907 So you're not a little kid. Or so you say. Judging from the maturity and critical thinking you've shown in your posts, if we may mockingly call it such, well you're no adult. At least one with any standards in English composition or the basics of storytelling.

[DAMN HAMSTER]

4365907 Make no mistake, I am not trolling you or "flaming". I merely call things as I see them, delicate feelings and soft constitutions ignored.

[DAMN HAMSTER]

4365907 Yeah, I wouldn't know how to respond if I were you either.